Elections in Ward 12, Units 6 and 7 in Ubimini community in Emohua Council of Rivers State were halted following a fracas that claimed two lives.

A pregnant woman, identified as Ruth Osah, and a member of Emohua Local Vigilante Service (EMOLVIS), known as Mark Orduize, were said to be have killed on election day with one vigilante personnel injured and two houses burnt, thereby halting the conduct of elections in the community.

According to the President of Ubimini Youth Council, Ikechukwu Wordu, trouble started when a cultist started recruiting boys to molest people in the community.

He said: “There is one boy that was granted amnesty and he became a pastor. It was quite unfortunate that this week, he turned back and went back to his bad ways, he was with some guys trying to recruit some guys and he brought out pump action gun, chasing people all around. Security outfit in the community went to look for him today.

“It was unfortunate that following accidental discharge by the security outfit, one pregnant woman, Ruth Osah, was killed. Some youths chased the outfit and killed one of them. I have to call on security agencies in the area and also called on youths to stop any illegal attacks and burning of people’s houses.

“For now the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Egbeda Police Division has arrived Ubimini.”

He confirmed that one security officer, known as John, was also injured while two houses were burnt.

The spokesperson for Rivers State Police command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, was yet to respond to text messages.

Also, at 1:30 p.m., many residents have deserted the community, as election did not also take place. (Text, excluding headline: The Guardian)

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