There was tension in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, on Friday night as unknown gunmen attacked a convoy transporting election results, leaving at least three persons with gunshot wounds.
The incident happened on August 16 at about 7:48 p.m. along Irrua Road, near the Irrua railway station, as officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and party representatives were returning from Uzea, heading to the collation centre in Uromi.
The electoral officials were travelling in a Hummer bus and two other vehicles under armed police escort when the convoy was suddenly ambushed by armed men.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the attackers opened fire on the convoy, triggering a gun battle between them and the security personnel escorting the election team.
Eyewitnesses said the sounds of heavy gunfire rang out for several minutes, causing panic in the area. The three injured individuals—believed to be part of the election monitoring team—were quickly evacuated to the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention.
Medical officials at the hospital confirmed that the injured victims were responding well to treatment, though their identities were not immediately disclosed for security reasons.
Meanwhile, in the confusion that followed the attack, three INEC staff and some party agents reportedly fled into the nearby bushes. Fortunately, they were later rescued by security operatives, who swept through the area to ensure their safety.
“The attackers came out from the bush and opened fire without warning,” a local resident who witnessed the aftermath told our correspondent. “People ran in different directions. It was very scary.”
Despite the attack, election officials confirmed that the integrity of the electoral process was not compromised. The Hummer bus that carried some of the officials was recovered after the incident. Another vehicle in the convoy, which was transporting results from Ward 6 in Esan North-East, was not affected by the shooting.
INEC officials assured the public that the collation process continued at the designated centre in Uromi and that results from the affected ward had been secured.
“The elections in the area were largely peaceful,” an INEC staff member said. “This unfortunate incident occurred after voting and during the movement of results, but it did not stop the collation. The process has been uninterrupted.”
Security agencies in Edo State have now launched a manhunt for the attackers. Armed operatives were seen combing the surrounding bushes on Saturday morning in search of the gunmen.
A senior security official in the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said investigations were ongoing and suspects would be brought to justice.
He added, “We are taking this very seriously. Attacking election officials is a serious offence. We already have leads and are confident that arrests will be made soon.”
This attack has renewed concerns about the safety of election personnel and the need for stronger security measures during and after elections, especially in rural areas.
The incident has sparked outrage among local residents and political stakeholders, many of whom are calling on the Edo State Government and security agencies to do more to protect electoral officers and voters.
“This kind of violence should not happen in a democracy,” said Chief Okoduwa, a community leader in Uromi. “INEC officials are just doing their job. If they are not safe, then our democracy is at risk.”
He added that such incidents discourage voter turnout and breed fear among citizens, especially in areas already affected by security challenges.
Local youth groups also held a peaceful demonstration on Saturday morning, demanding that the government fix the Irrua-Uromi road, which they claim has become a haven for criminals.
Elections in Esan North-East were reportedly peaceful earlier in the day, with voters turning out in large numbers. Accreditation, voting, and counting were said to have gone smoothly in most polling units, with little or no reports of violence.
However, the attack on the INEC convoy during the movement of results has cast a shadow over the process. Observers have called on the electoral commission and security agencies to conduct a full review of the situation and learn lessons for future elections.
An official from one of the major political parties said, “Security arrangements need to go beyond polling units. These criminals are targeting election results, and that’s dangerous for democracy.”
