By Chidi Nwaopara

OWERRI—The collation of results of the presidential and National Assembly elections has commenced in the 27 local government areas of Imo State.

FILE: INEC Adhoc Staff 

Confirming the development Sunday morning, the Public Relations Officer, PRO, of the Owerri office of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mrs. Emmanuella Opara, said results of the polls have been turned in from nine local government areas.

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“Collation of results at the local government levels are still ongoing now. Thereafter, the local government Returning Officers are expected to present the results of the elections at the state collation centres at the INEC office, Owerri”, Opara said.

Opara could not confirm what time all the results would be turned in.

“They will arrive here (INEC office Owerri) as soon as they conclude in their respective local government areas. So far, nine results have been received at the time of this inquiry”, she added.

Soldiers allegedly disrupt election

Meanwhile, the whereabouts and safety of one Vincent Opara, who was allegedly picked up by soldiers Saturday has remained unknown.

According to the man’s elder brother Damian Opara, the incident happened at Community School Umuoso, Ohaji/Egbema local council area of Imo State.

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“At polling unit 011 and 012, located at   Community School, Umuoso, the voting was going on peacefully until   the Local Government Area chairman, Ebenezer Amadi called the Army to scatter the place.

“In the process, my younger brothers, Vincent Opara and Peter Opara were beaten to a pulp.

“Information reaching me now has it that Vincent is either dead, unconscious or is still with the army,” Opara said.

He further alleged that the soldiers also stormed pulling unit 013 at Unuonu market square, aided the All Progressives Congress, APC, to cart away the ballot boxes and result sheets. “The same thing was reportedly done in Ilile Town School booths 9 and 10. Also in booth 6 , Nkaraha Primary School 1, booths 8 and 15 at Central school Mgbuisi which was carried after heavy gun shots,” Opara said.

“The APC knew it was losing and it brought the army. We insist that election at these polling units be cancelled,” he stated.

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When the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Orlando Ikeokwu was contacted for confirmation of this and other related stories, he said that he had not been briefed on the issues.

“I have not been briefed on any of the issues. Please, I will get back to you (Vanguard) when I am briefed”, Ikeokwu said.