On Saturday, a group of hoodlums, believed to be guided by armed security personnel, caused chaos and stole a ballot box at the Umuarusi Amandugba Hall in the Isu Local Government Area of Imo State. The incident has raised concerns over the security measures in place during the election process.
Eyewitnesses reported that around 09:19 AM, approximately five individuals stormed the polling station, aggressively disrupting the voting process and making away with a ballot box. Surprisingly, this occurred despite the strong presence of security personnel in the area.
Voters at the scene were left feeling shaken and uncertain about their safety. The use of an armored security vehicle patrolling the area prior to the incident only added to their concerns.
A concerned voter, Chibuike, shared his apprehensions with the press. “We are afraid. You saw how they snatched the ballot box with security people around, and you will know it was planned. We are afraid and we are not safe. How can an election be conducted with an armored vehicle? This is wrong,” he expressed.
The apparent collaboration between the thugs and armed security personnel has raised serious questions about the integrity of the election process in the region. Officials are now under pressure to address these concerns and ensure that future polling stations remain secure and free from interference.
