AnambraDecides2025: Panic as Police Fire Teargas Inside INEC Office, Injure Corps Member
🚨 #AnambraDecides2025: Panic as Police Fire Teargas Inside INEC Office, Injure Corps Member, Election Observer
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Global Egberi Media International | November 8, 2025
Tension enveloped Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State early Saturday morning as policemen deployed for the governorship election allegedly fired teargas canisters within the premises of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) secretariat — injuring a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member and an election observer from Yiaga Africa.
The disturbing scene unfolded just hours before the official commencement of the #AnambraDecides2025 governorship poll, throwing the entire election preparation process into chaos and panic.
🔹 A Morning of Confusion and Fear
Eyewitnesses told reporters that the officers, believed to have been under the influence of alcohol, suddenly began releasing teargas indiscriminately around the INEC compound.
“They just started firing teargas this early morning without any provocation,” one observer recounted.“INEC staff, corps members, and election observers ran for safety, coughing and crying as the smoke filled the air.”
According to witnesses, the tension escalated when one corps member courageously approached the officers to question their actions. Instead of responding calmly, the policemen allegedly turned violent.
🔹 From Questions to Violence
Eyewitness accounts reveal that the young corps member’s inquiry angered the officers, who reportedly attacked him, hurling stones and chairs in the process.
One of the objects struck an election observer from Yiaga Africa, leaving him with visible injuries. The outburst caused widespread panic, disrupting last-minute election arrangements within the INEC premises.
“It was terrible. The officers lost control and started throwing anything they could find. One stone broke a window and injured the observer,” another source confirmed.
The atmosphere, which had been tense but orderly, quickly descended into chaos as ad-hoc staff, electoral officials, and observers fled in different directions, seeking refuge from the teargas fumes and flying objects.
🔹 Police Reaction: ‘Situation Has Been Resolved’
When contacted, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident but claimed it had been “resolved.”
“I just spoke with the election CP in Ihiala. He said the matter has been resolved. It was a kind of misunderstanding between some INEC ad-hoc staff and observers. The police were only trying to manage the situation,” he told reporters.
However, on-ground witnesses disputed this version, insisting that the police escalation was unprovoked and avoidable.
🔹 Election Delays, BVAS Malfunction Deepen Frustration
At Polling Unit 001, Fegge Ward 5, located at St. John Primary School, officials said they arrived early, completed setup around 8:00 a.m., but were unable to begin accreditation or voting due to BVAS (Bimodal Voter Accreditation System) malfunction.
“We have been here since 8 a.m. We set up everything, but the BVAS has not worked for almost two hours,” said Samuel Obiora, the Presiding Officer.“The RAC technician promised to bring another device, but we are still waiting.”
By 10:01 a.m., voting had not commenced, and the frustration among residents and voters was palpable. Many expressed anger at what they described as INEC’s poor preparation and repeated technical lapses, despite public assurances of readiness.
🔹 Public Reaction: Calls for Professionalism and Calm
Civil society groups and election observers have called for an immediate investigation into the Ihiala teargas incident, urging the police authorities to sanction any officers found guilty of misconduct.
Yiaga Africa, whose representative was injured, condemned the act as “unacceptable, reckless, and contrary to democratic conduct,” warning that such actions could discourage youth participation in electoral processes.
Community leaders in Ihiala also appealed for calm, asking security operatives to exercise restraint and maintain neutrality throughout the election.
🔹 A Reminder of Nigeria’s Electoral Fragility
Saturday’s incident once again highlights the persistent challenge of maintaining professionalism and order among security agencies during elections.
While INEC and civil society organizations continue to push for credible, peaceful elections, the reckless behavior of a few officers risks undermining both voter confidence and institutional credibility.
The #AnambraDecides2025 election, already under intense national scrutiny, now carries an additional test — how well Nigeria’s security agencies can balance enforcement with respect for democratic principles.
✍️ By: Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
For Global Egberi Media International
📌 Tags: #AnambraDecides2025 #Ihiala #PoliceBrutality #INEC #YiagaAfrica #NYSC #Elections #Nigeria #Democracy #GlobalEgberi
📣 Facebook Caption:
⚠️ Tears and Tension in Anambra!
As Nigerians await results from #AnambraDecides2025, early morning chaos rocked Ihiala LGA when policemen allegedly fired teargas at INEC officials — injuring a corps member and an election observer.
Voters decry BVAS malfunction and demand accountability.
🖋️ By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi | Global Egberi Media International
Source: Sahara Reporters / TheCable / PUNCH
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