Fear, security scare, as Bayelsans elect new governor

Fear, security scare, as Bayelsans elect new governor

With few hours to the governorship election in Bayelsa State, fear, tension and anxiety have enveloped the state as residents are afraid of the unknown.

This is as a result of reports of violence and killings recorded in some parts of the state.

In Yenagoa, the state capital, reports show that some suspected political thugs dressed in military uniforms are allegedly distributing guns to young men for them to foment trouble during Saturday’s election.

Places such as Nembe, Azuzuma, and Ogbia are currently witnessing violent activities by political thugs who are allegedly attacking residents. Some of the community members have reportedly fled to the forest.

Other places where there is apprehension includes Opuama in Southern Ijaw local government area, where eight-speed boats filled with armed men were reportedly sighted floating, thereby preventing people from entering the town.

Military personnel have also been deployed to different parts of the state. Communities such as Peretorugbe in Ekeremor local government area were surrounded Friday night by heavy military presence as the Nigerian Army now conduct stop and search on everyone coming in and going out of the community, to prevent breakdown of law and order.

Electorates in Bayelsa State will on Saturday, go to the poll, to choose their next governor for the next four years.

The battle of who emerges governor of the State is clearly between Senator Douye Diri, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who has the backing of the incumbent governor, Seriake Dickson and the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate, David Lyon.

There have been records of violence and killings with continued clashes between the two leading political parties heading to the Saturday’s polls.

Follow this thread for updates of results and incidents from different polling units in the State