Ex Gov Audu's Brother Killed As Violence Mars Kogi LG Poll

Violence, killing and boycott by opposition parties marred yesterday’s council poll in Kogi State.

No fewer than three persons were reportedly killed in various councils in the state.

Houses were also burnt, as protesters took to the streets over the exercise.

Our correspondent, who went round some polling units, report accreditation of voters commenced at schedule except in some areas where there was delay due to late turnout.

It was, however, gathered elections in Dekina, Bassa and Olamaboro Councils were inconclusive, following outbreak of violence.

Two unidentified people were killed in Odu I ward in Dekina Council, the home town of Governor Idris Wada.

Several houses, including that of the PDP local government party Chairman, were razed by protesters.

At Ankpa Local Government Area, a councillorship candidate of the PDP from Ojoku district, Mr. Tony Ameh, was also reportedly brutally murdered.

In Bassa Local Government Area, election materials were destroyed.

There was tension in several councils of the state over the poll.

However, PDP candidates in Lokoja and some other local government areas were said to be leading, following the boycott action of the opposition parties.

Former Governor of the state, Prince Abubakar Audu, described the poll as an embarrassment to democracy.

He said: “How can you say election was credible where there were absolute absence of the electorate? How can you as a government deceive the people of what you are not?”

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) leader said the killing of his younger brother by an unknown mobile policeman has taken democracy into a dangerous dimension.

Audu, however, com-mended people for boycotting the election as it has never been in the interest of the state and the people.

Also speaking, former House of Representatives member, Hon. Dino Melaiye, said the election thrived on voodoo rigging.