By Ehis Osadebarue
Uromi–Following the violence that rocked Bye election for the Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State during the Local Government Chairmanship in October 23,2013.
The Election Day Violence which spilled over to the next day resulting in the destruction and burning down of shops in the locality had caused severe panic among residents before the Police and the Nigeria Army moved in to calm the situation.
Investigation by The Nigerian Observer revealed that the fracas which took place at Efandion Primary School premises was allegedly ignited by one Mr Sam Oboh of the”ALL Progressive Congress”(APC) Chieftain when he brought in some fierce looking thugs which attempted to seize voting box and replacing it with already fingerprints ballots box.
This move it was learnt was resisted by Ekpu HarrisonYouths Leader, Emmanuel Uyi, Steven Agho and Akhabue James from the”People Democratic Party”(PDP) led by one Mr John Yakubu a Chieftain of the party thereby resulting in the violence and indiscriminate shooting by Mr Sam Oboh thugs of four persons substaning gun injuries, including a Polling Clerk, Godspower Ohio.
But the Police Claimed in a statement signed by Ogboh Peter (ASP)PPRO Edo State Command that Ekpu Harrison and Other youths are wanted for the alleged involvement in the fracas that disrupted the Local Government Council Chairmanship Election in Efandion Primary School premises Ward 5 in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area.
However,a source hinted that Ekpu Harrison, the youths leader of the Ward 5 has escaped from the area following repeated threats and attempts on his life and those of his Party members by hireling thugs of Mr Sam Oboh.
According to source, “The matter was reported to the security agencies but they seem not to be doing anything about it.Though am not surprise by their attitude since they have exhibited a look warm attitude on this issues since it first started”.
