Teargas Chaos Rocks Anambra INEC Office On Election Morning

Tension erupted in Ihiala, Anambra State, on Saturday after policemen deployed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) secretariat allegedly fired teargas canisters, disrupting preparations for the governorship election.

The incident reportedly left a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member and several others injured.

Witnesses at the scene said the officers, suspected to be under the influence of alcohol, began shooting teargas canisters without provocation. The sudden attack caused panic among INEC officials, ad-hoc staff, and election observers gathered at the secretariat to begin the day’s electoral duties.

According to eyewitness accounts, one Corps member who questioned the reason behind the shooting was assaulted by the officers, who allegedly hurled stones and chairs at him. A stray object from the chaos reportedly shattered a window, injuring an election observer nearby.

Residents and officials described the atmosphere as tense, saying the actions of the policemen created fear on a morning meant to mark a peaceful start to the voting process. Many expressed concern about the safety of voters and election staff in the area.

The incident briefly halted preparations at the INEC office, with staff fleeing the area to avoid further confrontation. Some observers described the scene as chaotic, noting that it could dampen voter confidence and disrupt early polling activities.

State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, later confirmed the situation but assured that calm had been restored. He said normal activities had resumed and that voting was proceeding without further disturbance.