Police silent despite killings during Rivers election – Magnus Abe

Magnus Abe, Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Rivers State, has condemned the silence of the police despite killings during the election.

Abe said video evidence in some of the cases show “at least six persons were murdered” in the violence that characterised the March 18 poll.

The Rivers State Police Command has maintained ignorance of any fatality, the SDP flagbearer complained in a statement Wednesday night.

The Senator for Rivers South East also dismissed reports that he congratulated Siminialayi Fubara, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Abe decried the disenfranchisement of many voters in a process marred by “intimidation and harassment” with alleged state backing.

The politician said traditional rulers, thugs and militants across the state were mobilised to threaten those not willing to vote for the PDP.

“Those who defied the warning were beaten mercilessly under police watch. In Ahoada East LGA, four persons were killed.

“Two of them were members of the SDP who resisted people who came to cart away ballot boxes and BVAS machines.

“Nobody was arrested. Those who shot them were known and all these happened in the presence of security agencies.”

Noting that everyone saw and knew what happened in Rivers, Abe disclosed he would consult his team, and “decide our next step”.