DELTA LG POLLS: Electoral officer killed, DSIEC office set ablaze as elections turn violent

The Delta State local government elections held on Saturday witnessed violence which left an ad-hoc staff of the State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) dead, and the commission’s office in Ughelli area of the state burnt by suspected political thugs.

The DSIEC ad-hoc staff, a man in his 30s was allegedly killed at Onitsha-Ugbo, Aniocha North Local Government Area of the state following an attack by the political thugs.

But the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Andrew Aniamaka, who confirmed the death of the yet to be identified man, however said he was not killed as a result of attack by thugs or any persons but that he slumped and died.

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, some thugs suspected to be loyalists of the senator representing Delta Central senatorial district in the National Assembly, Mr. Ovie Omo-Agege, allegedly swooped on Ughelli office of the DSIEC and burnt it down.

The development led to a deployment of policemen from the Ughelli Area Command being despatched to flash points within and around Ughelli metropolis.

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The election allegedly did not hold at Ethiope East Local Government as the electoral material meant for the area was allegedly taken back to DSIEC office in Asaba.

Briefing party agents and leaders of the area at Isiokolo headquarters, the Electoral Officer of the local government, Mr. Saduwa Solomon, explained that the materials had to be taken back as the atmosphere was not conducive for the conduct of the exercise.

It was also learnt that as at 2pm, there was no election in Ugborodo, Warri South West Local Government Area, due to absence of election materials in the area.

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