Two persons were killed and 13 vehicles destroyed in a pre-election crisis in the Obot-Akara Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State on Friday.
It was gathered that the two deaths occurred during a gun duel between some hoodlums and security personnel during the distribution of sensitive materials at Nto Edino, the headquarters of Obot-Akara.
Speaking on the incident, an eyewitness, said, “Two persons were killed and 13 vehicles burnt in the local government headquarters. The crisis started between the security personnel and some thugs when the Independent National Electoral Commission officials were distributing sensitive materials for the elections.”
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The state Resident Electoral Committee, Mr Mike Igini, who couldn’t not ascertain the deaths, confirm that several INEC vehicles were burnt by miscreants suspected to have been sponsored by politicians.
Addressing a press conference on Saturday, Igini said INEC wouldn’t be threatened or influenced by politicians.
He added, “Politicians who are the greatest beneficiaries of this democracy have become the greatest threats. In Akwa Ibom, equal opportunities will be given to all the political parties.”