Violence Mar Rivers State Re-run Election, 13 Rportedly Killed, Several Injured Rivers

Rivers State re-run election held yesterday, March 19, was characterised by widespread violence. A respected PDP chieftain in Buguma, Chief Gabriel Amachree (pictured) was gruesomely murdered by alleged APC thugs led by OJukaye Flag Amachree. The deceased reportedly tried to advise the suspect to slow down with the violence.

An immigration officer was shot dead at a registration centre at Abalama in Asari Toru Local Government Area following attempt by thugs to hijack electoral materials. The thugs arrived on three Toyota Hilux van and opened fire. The officer died instantly while dozens of voters sustained severe injuries.

At Abonnema in Akuku Toru L.G.A., youth shot sporadically and detonated dynamites after a fight broke out between APC and PDP supporters in an attempts by both groups to snatch election materials.

Four persons were reportedly killed at Buguma, headquarters of lAsari Toru while heavy shooting was reported in Degema which forced voters, journalists and INEC officials to desert polling units.

At Ward 7, Unit 4 in Nonwa, Tai L.G.A., a young man identified as Tomabari was shot and killed shortly after casting his vote. Another voter was killed after astray bullet hit him at Rumuokuta roundabout.

In the Ogoni area of Rivers South-East, four persons were feared dead, as tension escalated following the late arrival of voting materials. Two ther persons were reportedly shot dead in Abua/Odual and Ahoada West L.G.Areas allegedly by the military.