A shadow of grief has been cast over the recent gubernatorial election in Anambra State following the confirmed killing of a local councillor by armed gunmen on election day.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo, moments after being declared the winner of the poll, confirmed the tragic incident, identifying the victim as the councillor representing the Owerre Ezukala community in Orumba South Local Government Area.
According to reports, the councillor was targeted at Owerre Ezukala Ward 1. He had just performed his civic duty and was making his way home when the assailants stormed the voting centre, caused panic, and opened fire on him.
Governor Soludo, visibly saddened, described the event as a painful loss for the state and his party, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). He stated, “I also note with sadness the sad news that some hoodlums went to a community. We understand they came from across the border, caused mayhem and even killed one of our supporters, a councillor who had just voted and was heading home. They accosted him and shot him dead. That’s a councillor and an APGA chieftain. It’s very unfortunate. May his soul rest in peace.”
Despite this tragic event, Governor Soludo commended the security agencies for their overall performance, asserting that they “did an excellent job” in containing threats and preventing a wider disruption of the electoral process across the state. The incident highlights the persistent security challenges in the region, even on a day of democratic exercise.
