Panic gripped parts of Isara and Ode-Remo in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State on Saturday morning as sporadic gunshots rang out just minutes before the commencement of the by-election in Remo Federal Constituency.
The election, which is taking place across Sagamu, Ikenne, and Remo North Local Government Areas, followed the death of the constituency’s former House of Representatives member, Adewunmi Onanuga.
Despite the presence of heavily armed security operatives, eyewitnesses told PLATFORM TIMES that unidentified gunmen stormed some areas in the two communities and fired shots into the air, sending early voters and residents into confusion.
Though no casualties had been confirmed as of press time, PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the incident heightened fears of violence and raised concerns over the safety of voters.
The Ogun State Police Command had earlier announced a total restriction of movement in the affected LGAs from midnight until 4 p.m., warning that anyone caught engaging in electoral malpractices would face severe sanctions.
As of the time of filing this report, security operatives were intensifying patrols across the troubled areas in a bid to restore confidence and ensure the election proceeded without further disruption.
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