Elections 2015: Police begins investigation into Ihiala violence, confirm 2 cops injured

The Police Command in Anambra says investigation has commenced into the crisis that erupted at Ihiala Local Government Council headquarters on Sunday.

Mr Uche Ezeh, the Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday that two officers sustained injuries in the attempt restore peace.

An eye-witness who pleaded anonymity said a group of politicians and their thugs stormed the local government headquarters in the early hours of Sunday to beat up those at the collation venue.

According to him, about four persons had gunshot wounds, including policemen, while one person was feared dead.

Another eye-witness, Mr Martin Ezenna, said he had never seen such political brigandage were the electorate and INEC officials were humiliated after election.

“My brother what we say on Sunday was horrible; people were beaten up, shooting everywhere even a prominent son of our town was manhandled; we are yet to come out of the shocking experience,” he said.

Meanwhile, the PPRO said that no life was lost in the incident, adding that the two officers who sustained injuries were receiving medical attention in an undisclosed hospital.

Ezeh attributed it to the desperation of politicians who did not heed to the order of the police not to move about on election days.

He said investigations were underway to unravel the cause of the problem, promising that justice would be done.

“Yes, there was a problem between two political heavyweights in the Anambra South District; there are bound to be deviants to every law and that is why the Police are there to quell any crisis.

“There was gunshots , two policemen were wounded but we are not aware of any death.

“We warned against unauthorised movement by anybody and disobedience to that order results in things like this; but investigations are on to get to the root of the matter,” he said.

He called on the residents of the state remain calm and advised politicians to be peaceful in their conduct.