Vigilante security operatives in Imo, on Saturday, foiled an attempt by alleged political thugs to abduct INEC officials and cart away election materials.
The incident happened at a Registration Area Center in Amaimo, Ikeduru Local Government Area.
It was learned that the attempt by the thugs to whisk away the INEC officials into their waiting vehicle was quickly repelled by security personnel deployed in the centre.
An eyewitness account claimed the armed security operatives fired into the air from a distance when voters in the area raised an alarm over the presence of the thugs.
“The thugs quickly retreated into their bus and sped off on hearing the sound of the gun, ”the eyewitness told NAN on the condition of anonymity.
An unarmed Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) operative at the scene told NAN that “the thugs were coming to hijack the INEC officials and election materials.
“But luck ran out on them when some people started shouting during a stampede caused by fear.
“It was their shouting that alerted the armed security personnel, who quickly shot into the air, forcing the thugs to take to their heels,” the NSCDC operative said on the condition of anonymity.
There was also a heavy presence of security personnel on major roads in the state.
