Crisis erupts in Niger community during polls

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

Violence erupted during Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly elections in Jima community of Lavun local government area of Niger state.

According to findings, many people from the community were injured with one victim critically injured, while no fewer than seven motorcycles were burnt down and cars destroyed during the process.

Jima is a community near Dokko area hosting three other villages consisting of Edogi, Emiworo and Jumata.

At a polling unit, argument occured between the villages and supporters of different political parties leading to the crisis.

Sources told our reporter that a police personnel was injured while INEC officials were safely taken away by some community Samaritans.

The residents in their separate interview described the incident as unfortunate and uncalled for hence the call for the state government and security intervention to forestall reoccurrence during the next state elections. When contacted, the Niger State Police Command Police Public Relations Officer PPRO DSP Wasiu Abiodun said he was yet to get official information about the alleged crisis.