Election Turns Bloody As Armed Attackers Disrupt Voting, Trigger Panic Among Voters
The ongoing Anambra State governorship election descended into chaos on Saturday after armed gunmen stormed a voting center in Orumba South Local Government Area, killing a sitting local councillor and leaving several others injured.
According to eyewitness accounts, the incident occurred around 11:45 a.m. at Umuomaku Primary School Polling Unit, one of the largest voting centers in the area. Voters were reportedly waiting in line when a group of heavily armed men arrived on motorcycles and opened fire sporadically.
“They came suddenly, shooting into the air and shouting that everyone should lie down,” said Chinedu Okeke, a local resident. “People started running in all directions — some jumped over the fence to escape.”
The slain councillor, identified as Hon. Obinna Eze, was reportedly monitoring the voting process when he was shot at close range.
⚠️ Panic, Chaos, and Disruption
Witnesses said the attack caused instant panic, with INEC officials, security personnel, and voters fleeing for safety. Ballot boxes were overturned, and voting materials scattered across the compound.
“We lost control of the situation,” said an INEC ad-hoc staff member who narrowly escaped. “The police on duty tried to respond, but the attackers were too many and heavily armed.”
Local sources claim the attackers escaped before security reinforcements arrived, leaving behind chaos and grief.
🏛️ INEC and Police Confirm Incident
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed the attack in an emergency statement released in Awka, calling it a “heartbreaking disruption of the democratic process.”
“We deeply regret the loss of life and condemn this act of violence. Voting has been temporarily suspended in the affected area to ensure the safety of voters and officials,” said Dr. Queen Nwafor, INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner for Anambra.
The Anambra State Police Command also confirmed the councillor’s death, adding that a combined team of mobile police and military units had been deployed to restore order in Orumba South.
“We are pursuing the suspects and will ensure they face justice,” said Police Public Relations Officer DSP Tochukwu Ikenga. “We urge citizens to remain calm and cooperate with security agents.”
🗳️ Reactions from Political Parties
The incident has sparked outrage among political parties and civil society groups.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) described the killing as “a direct attack on democracy,” calling for urgent security reinforcement across the state.
The Labour Party (LP) also condemned the violence, demanding justice for the slain councillor and protection for election officials.
Meanwhile, the APC campaign organization urged INEC not to cancel results from the entire LGA but to ensure “security-driven continuation” where possible.
⚖️ Civil Society and International Observers React
Election observers from Yiaga Africa and the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) condemned the attack, describing it as a major setback for electoral peace in Nigeria.
“No election is worth the life of a citizen,” said Grace Agbo of TMG. “This tragedy underscores the urgent need for stronger election security protocols.”
International monitors from the European Union (EU) delegation also called for restraint, emphasizing that violence undermines public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
🕊️ A Shadow Over #AnambraDecides2025
As voting continues in other parts of the state, the Orumba South attack has cast a shadow over what was expected to be a relatively peaceful election.
Security agencies have reportedly increased patrols across Aguata, Nnewi, and Ekwulobia, while INEC has promised to conduct a thorough review before declaring official results.
“We will not let violence define this election,” Dr. Nwafor said. “Every lawful vote will still count.”
📡 The Bottom Line
The killing of a councillor in Orumba South underscores the persistent challenge of election-related violence in Nigeria, even amid increased security deployments.
While investigations continue, the attack stands as a grim reminder of the risks faced by those working to uphold democracy at the grassroots.
🕯️ May the soul of Hon. Obinna Eze rest in peace.
📰 Full coverage continues under the hashtag #AnambraDecides2025
#BreakingNews #NigeriaVotes #ElectionViolence #AnambraDecides2025 #INEC #SecurityAlert #Democracy #OrumbaSouth
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