Tragedy struck the ongoing Anambra State governorship election as a councillor representing Owerre Ezukala community in Orumba South Local Government Area was reportedly shot and killed by unknown gunmen.
Diaspora Digital Media gathered that the incident occurred around 1:30 PM at Owerre Ezukala Ward 1.
Eyewitnesses said the councillor was shot while attempting to cast his vote. Though the Anambra State Police Command has not officially confirmed the attack, local leaders have condemned the act and described the community’s outrage.
“My ward is in flames as we speak. The councillor was shot dead while trying to vote. Security operatives were around but couldn’t stop the hoodlums,” said Odogwu Odemenna, a community leader.
Odemenna added that authorities had been notified, and policemen and soldiers were actively pursuing the attackers.
He expressed frustration at the security lapses, noting that the election had been peaceful until the fatal shooting.
“A day like today, security shouldn’t have been porous in Orumba South. The election was going smoothly until this incident,” he added.
Another community member, who requested anonymity, confirmed the councillor was fatally shot and that the gunmen escaped immediately after the attack.
As of the time of this report, the Anambra State Police Command has remained silent. Attempts to reach the Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, were unsuccessful.
The killing highlights growing concerns about election security in Nigeria, underscoring the need for effective measures to protect voters and candidates during the democratic process.