Bayelsa Election marred by violence; ...4 dead, scores injured

The Bayelsa governorship election was, yesterday marred by violence, inducement of voters and apathy in parts of the state, particularly in the riverine and coastal areas.

Malfunctioning of card reader machines was also rampant.

Southern Ijaw, Ekeremor, Brass and Nembe local councils were worst hit as thugs unleashed mayhem on rival supporters.

In Southern Ijaw, gunmen invaded the riverside community in the early hours of the day ostensibly to hijack election materials. Three of the invaders were killed as security forces battled to restore normalcy while the fourth victim was felled by stray bullets.

Elsewhere in the riverine Nembe and Brass local councils, the election day eve witnessed shootings and disruption of the peace, which prompted reinforcement of security personnel in the area.

Although normalcy returned to Nembe on election day, the tension and security uncertainty caused voters to remain indoors, resulting in voter apathy.

It was gathered that the spate of shootings forced many of the residents indoor for fear of being caught in the cross fire just as election materials could not leave the highly tensed area.

However, the election was generally peaceful in Yenagoa, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Ogbia and parts of Sagbama local government areas.

Credit: Vanguard