An attempt by purported political thugs to kidnap Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) workers and transport poll supplies out of Imo State was stopped on Saturday by security personnel.
In Amaimo, Ikeduru Local Government Area, at a Registration Area Center, there was an attempt to kidnap the commission officials.
The antics of the thugs to drag the INEC officials into their waiting vehicle were promptly thwarted by the security officers stationed at the center.
When voters in the vicinity voiced anxiety about the presence of the thugs, an eyewitness informed the News Agency of Nigeria that the armed security personnel opened fire into the air from a distance
“The thugs quickly retreated into their bus and sped off on hearing the sound of the gun,” the eyewitness told NAN on the condition of anonymity.
An unarmed Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) operative at the scene told NAN that “the thugs were coming to hijack the INEC officials and election materials.
“But luck ran out on them when some people started shouting during a stampede caused by fear.”
“It was their shouting that alerted the armed security personnnel, who quickly shot into the air, forcing the thugs to take to their heels,” the NSCDC operative said on the condition of anonymity.
There was heavy presence of security personnel on major roads in the state.
In Owerri, the state capital, and its environs, armed security personnel mounted checkpoints at strategic locations as early as 6:00a.m. to enforce restriction on movements.
Heavily armed soldiers were seen at different entry points into the city, stopping and searching vehicles, as well as interrogating the drivers and passengers before allowing them to go
