Kogi State: Recent University Graduate Killed in Ballot Box Snatching Attempt

Ojochenemi Akayaba, a recent university graduate and ballot box snatcher, was gunned down by Nigerian Army operatives at a polling unit in Kogi State. No statement has been released by officials.

A shocking incident took place during Saturday’s elections in Kogi State, Nigeria, as a young man was killed while attempting to steal a ballot box.

The deceased has been identified as Ojochenemi Akayaba, a recent graduate of Prince Abubakar Audu University in the state. Akayaba had studied Political Science and had recently completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, which is mandatory for all graduates under the age of 30 in Nigeria.

The incident occurred at the Ogege Road polling unit in the Odaba area of Dekina ward, in Dekina Local Government Area (LGA) of the state. According to eyewitnesses, several political thugs had descended on the polling unit and began snatching ballot boxes, causing voters to flee in panic. Akayaba was allegedly one of the thugs who attempted to steal a ballot box, but was shot dead by Nigerian Army operatives who were guarding the polling unit.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are still unclear, as no official statement has been released by any agency or government official. It is also unclear whether Akayaba was acting alone or as part of a larger group of political thugs. However, the incident has raised concerns about the safety of voters and electoral officials in the state, as well as the possibility of election-related violence.

Kogi State has a history of political violence, and Saturday’s elections were no exception. There were reports of violence and intimidation in several parts of the state, with political thugs attacking voters, destroying polling materials, and disrupting the voting process. The situation was particularly tense in Dekina LGA, where the incident involving Akayaba took place.

The Kogi State government led by Governor Yahaya Bello who was re-elected for a second term in office has yet to release a statement on the incident.

The incident involving Akayaba is a tragic reminder of the dangers of electoral violence in Nigeria, and highlights the need for greater security measures to protect voters and electoral officials during elections. It also raises questions about the role of young people in Nigerian politics, and the need for greater opportunities for youth empowerment and engagement in the political process.

As the nation looks forward to the 2023 general elections, it is important for all stakeholders to work together to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections that reflect the will of the people. This requires a commitment to electoral integrity, respect for the rule of law, and a determination to stamp out all forms of violence and malpractice during the electoral process.