32 INEC officials, corps members escape death

 By DAYO JOHNSON, Akure

No fewer than 32 officials of the Independent Electoral Commission INEC, National Youth Corps members, and policemen yesterday narrowly escaped death after thugs shot at the buses conveying them to Mahintedo for the by-election in Ilaje Constutuency11, Ondo State .

The election was scheduled for 167 units (six wards) in Ilaje Constituency 11.

However, two INEC officials were feared kidnapped while the rifle of a mobile policeman was seized during the election at Ibila, Mahin ward 1. The Police Commissioner Mogaji Nasarawa who relocated to Igbokoda denied the reports.

The voting materials earmarked for Mahintedo were returned to the Igbokoda Police station at about 10 a.m. yesterday.

The INEC Presiding Officer Chinadu Oham said the thugs barricaded the road and shot severally at their buses at Ilumeje on their way to Mahin ward 6. The attackers allegedly hid while the shooting lasted.

He said all occupants of the buses including the policemen had to jump out of the buses and fled in different directions when the shooting was unbearable.