The violence and ballot box snatching that marred Imo Governorship and House of Assembly elections in Imo state

Conduct of governorship and state assembly elections, yesterday, in Imo State witnessed series of

ballot box snatching and violence by political thugs in parts of the state, as All Progressives Congress, APC and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP flexed muscles over who controls the state for the next four years.
There were also reported cases of arrest of some APC members and party agents in Aboh Mbaise with the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo and two others falling victim.
In Awa community of Oguta LGA, no fewer than 10 persons were allegedly wounded as fracas broke out in the area as a result of sharp disagreement over distribution of electoral materials.
At Ilile polling unit in Ohaji/Egbema LGA, parts of Oru East, Onuimo, Oguta LGA respectively, there is snatching of ballot boxes and election results.
Also affected are Okwelle in Onuimo LGA where three thugs reportedly died while trying to escape with ballot boxes and election materials on sitting a team of Soldiers coming after them.
The entire process of election, which commenced with early arrival of materials, accreditation and voting, midway, took a different turn with snatching of ballot boxes and sporadic shooting by armed thugs.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after casting his vote at Ekenta polling unit in Ogboko, Governor Rochas Okorocha condemned cases of violence and snatching of boxes at Aboh Mbaise, Ngor Okpala, Oru East and West as well as Oguta areas.
He called for setting up of judicial panel of inquiry to find out the reason for snatching of boxes at the lLocal government areas of Ohaji/Egbema, Ngor Okpala, About Mbaise, Einihitte Mbaise, Oguta among others.
Earlier in a chat after accreditation, the PDP governorship candidate in Imo State, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha said that the entire process in his area was orderly.