On Saturday, a shocking scene unfolded at Elekahia Primary School in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, as armed men dressed in police uniforms descended upon the polling station, triggering chaos and fear among voters and electoral officials. The incident, marked by violence and intimidation, has raised urgent questions about the security of the electoral process in Rivers State and the potential for further unrest in the region.
Eyewitnesses reported that approximately 21 Hilux patrol vans, filled with heavily armed individuals, arrived at the polling venue via Elekahia Road. As they emerged from their vehicles, the armed men wasted no time in unleashing a barrage of tear gas canisters into the air, creating an immediate atmosphere of panic. The tear gas not only obscured visibility but also left many struggling to breathe, further intensifying the urgency of the situation.
Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) officials, who had diligently set up their stand to begin the accreditation process in Ward 19, found themselves in a terrifying predicament. As the armed men stormed the premises, these officials were forced to flee for their lives. Their efforts to facilitate a democratic process were shattered as they scrambled for safety, abandoning their posts amidst the chaos.
One particularly alarming moment was captured as an armed man aggressively confronted an INEC official, demanding, “Come here, remove that vest. What are you doing here?” This instance of intimidation not only underscored the lawlessness of the situation but also highlighted the grave risks faced by those attempting to uphold the democratic process. The masked operatives continued their onslaught, ordering officials to strip off their vests and hand them over, ensuring that no semblance of authority remained as they further compromised the integrity of the election.
The pandemonium escalated as the armed men indiscriminately targeted crowds, firing tear gas canisters directly into the throngs of people who were desperately trying to escape. Bystanders caught in the crossfire found themselves running for cover, with many fleeing into nearby Ibe and Boms Streets in a state of confusion. The cacophony of chaos, marked by shouts and the sounds of panic, created an atmosphere of sheer terror within the Elekahia community.
The impact of this disruption was not merely confined to the polling station. As residents and voters ran for their lives, the entire neighborhood became engulfed in tension. The rapid departure of individuals from the polling site, some carrying small children, painted a grim picture of a community grappling with fear for their safety and uncertainty about their ability to participate in the electoral process. Many onlookers reported seeing police patrol vans speeding away, laden with stolen election materials, further complicating an already fraught situation.
In the aftermath of this alarming incident, attempts to seek clarity from local authorities were met with indifference. Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the State Police Command, stated bluntly, “I’m not aware. You are just telling me now,” when contacted for comment. This response highlighted a concerning disconnect between law enforcement and the rapidly escalating crisis, raising questions about the preparedness of the police to handle such incidents and protect the rights of citizens during the election.
The implications of this violent disruption extend far beyond the immediate chaos at Elekahia Primary School. Such incidents undermine public confidence in the electoral process, deterring citizens from exercising their democratic rights in future elections. The sight of armed men in police uniforms—symbolizing authority—seizing control of a polling station is a disturbing development that could foster a culture of fear and discourage voter participation across the state.
Moreover, the incident has ignited discussions among political analysts and civil society groups regarding the broader challenges facing elections in Rivers State. The potential for electoral violence, particularly when combined with the presence of armed groups, poses a significant threat to democracy in Nigeria. This situation calls for urgent intervention from government officials, law enforcement agencies, and electoral bodies to ensure the safety of voters and the integrity of future elections.
As the dust settles on this chaotic day, the residents of Elekahia and the broader Port Harcourt community are left grappling with the aftermath of violence that shook their democratic foundations. The need for a comprehensive investigation into this incident, along with accountability for those who disrupted the electoral process, is paramount. Only through addressing these challenges can the region hope to restore faith in its democratic institutions and ensure that citizens can exercise their rights without fear of violence or intimidation. The events at Elekahia Primary School serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by many communities in their quest for a safe and transparent electoral process.
