The Bayelsa governorship election was marred by violence, inducement of voters and apathy in some parts of the state, particularly the riverine and coastal areas as the Voting Day progresses.
Southern Ijaw, Ekeremor, Brass and Nembe Local Government Areas were worst hit with violence, as political thugs unleash mayhem on rival political supporters’ groups with scores feared dead.
In Southern Ijaw, although four persons were reportedly feared dead, an indigene of the area said those confirmed dead were more than four.
Elsewhere in the riverine Nembe and Brass Local Government Areas, the eve of Election Day witnessed shootings and disruption of the peace, which prompted the reinforcement of security personnel to the area.
Although normalcy returned to Nembe on Election Day, however, the tension and security uncertainty has caused voters to remain indoors, resulting in voters apathy.
However, the election was generally peaceful in Yenagoa, Kolokuma/Opokuma and Ogbia, and parts of Sagbama Local government areas.
An opinion leader in Sagbegeria in Kolokuma/Opokuma, Ongore Joshua,who decried the low turnout of registered voters, described the situation as unfortunate.
In parts of Yenagoa, Ogbia and Kolokuma/Opokuma local Governments, accreditation started around 8:30am, although there were complaints of failure of card readers in Kolokuma/Opokuma units 6 and 7 of Ward 10.
In Otuan community in Southern Ijaw,the locals were yet to sight INEC officials and materials as at press time.
-Vanguard