Tension escalated at a facility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following a violent attack on protesting Itsekiri youths, who had gathered to express dissatisfaction over the ongoing constituency delineation exercise.
The protest, which was initially peaceful, reportedly turned chaotic when suspected thugs stormed the area and disrupted proceedings, forcing panic and confusion among demonstrators and officials present at the scene. Eyewitnesses said the attackers targeted the protesting youths, scattering the crowd and causing many to flee for safety.
The youths were protesting what they described as alleged irregularities and concerns surrounding the constituency delineation process in their area, insisting that the exercise must be carried out fairly and transparently. They had gathered to submit their grievances and demand greater accountability from electoral authorities.
However, the situation deteriorated when the group was confronted by armed individuals believed to have been mobilised to disrupt the demonstration. The sudden violence led to pandemonium, with protesters abandoning placards and belongings as they sought refuge from the attack.
Security personnel were eventually deployed to restore order and prevent further escalation. The extent of injuries sustained during the incident remained unclear at the time of reporting, though sources confirmed that several protesters were affected during the confrontation.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over the safety of civic demonstrations and the handling of sensitive electoral processes, particularly constituency boundary adjustments, which have historically triggered tensions in affected communities.
INEC has yet to issue an official statement on the attack or the allegations surrounding the delineation exercise. Meanwhile, community leaders and stakeholders have called for restraint and urged authorities to investigate the violence thoroughly.
Civil society groups have also condemned the attack, describing it as an attempt to silence legitimate democratic expression and warning that such incidents could undermine public trust in electoral institutions.
The Itsekiri community has repeatedly expressed concerns over constituency arrangements, insisting that any delineation process must reflect fairness, inclusiveness, and adherence to legal frameworks governing electoral representation.
As calm gradually returns to the area, residents and stakeholders are awaiting a response from INEC and security agencies, with calls mounting for accountability and stronger protection for peaceful protesters involved in civic engagements.
