Vigilant security operatives in Imo State, yesterday, foiled an attempt by alleged political thugs to abduct INEC officials and cart away election materials in Imo State.
It was gathered that the attempt to abduct the Commission officials occurred at a Registration Area Centre, in Amaimo, Ikeduru local government area. It was learnt that the security personnel deployed in the centre quickly repelled the attempt by the thugs to whisk away the INEC officials into their waiting vehicle.
At several points of entry into the city, troops with heavy weapons were observed halting, examining, and questioning cars before releasing the drivers and occupants.
An eyewitness told newsmen, on the condition of anonymity, that the armed security operatives fired into the air from a distance, when voters in the area raised an alarm over the presence of the thugs.
In Owerri, the State capital, and its environs, armed security personnel mounted checkpoints at strategic locations as early as 6:00a.m. to enforce restrictions on movements.
Heavily armed soldiers were seen at different entry points into the city, stopping and searching vehicles, as well as interrogating the drivers and passengers before allowing them to go.
