2023 Elections: Thugs destroy INEC materials in Akwa Ibom, police teargas voters

Voting was halted at Unit 1, Ward 10, Ikot Ebom Primary School, Itu local government area in Akwa-Ibom state due to an altercation allegedly initiated by PDP thugs.

The chaos overwhelmed the police officer at the unit, who rode away on a motorcycle, abandoning the voters. Despite the voters’ insistence on casting their ballots for their preferred candidate, they were denied the opportunity, according to an anonymous voter.

The alleged PDP thugs reportedly overpowered the voters, leading to a chaotic situation. A female officer, who had earlier left the unit, returned with her colleagues and fired tear gas canisters at the dispersed voters in their various homes.

Several voters, who claimed not to be PDP supporters, were allegedly deprived of their voting rights during the presidential election.

Furthermore, suspected thugs reportedly destroyed election materials designated for specific units at the well-known Urua Anwa junction in the Etim Ekpo local government area by puncturing the vehicle’s tyres.