If a police officer beaten by angry youths had thought about the consequences of laying his hands on the ballot box in an election, he would have just stuck to performing his duty.
Now, the spokesman for the Nigerian Police Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has issued a statement on the video of the officer beaten to a pulp.
He was attached by youths for snatching ballot boxes at a polling unit in Imo State.
The police officer, alongside others, attached to a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikeduru Local Government Area, were rough-handled by community youths.
They were said to have been instructed by the politician to snatch ballots.
The incident happened at Amakohia Ikeduru Collation Center, where APC lost.
Unfortunately, the community youths caught one while others took to their heels.
Police Integrity
In a post on X, Adejobi said the issue would be taken seriously.
To him, it is a questionable character that whips up issues on the integrity of the Police Force.
Also, it raises concerns about the capability of police personnel to maintain election integrity.
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Furthermore, the police spokesman assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted.
He wrote: “The Nigeria Police Force is aware of the allegation regarding this supposed police officer.
“The officer is purportedly involved in ballot snatching at the Amakohia Ikeduru Collation Centre in Imo State.
“We do not take this issue lightly.
“This is because it bothers on the integrity of the force and the capability of its members to maintain election integrity.
“We therefore assure the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted, and we will update you asap.
“It requires a thorough investigation. Thanks”.
Ballot snatching is one of the issues that Nigeria is facing and battling to bring to an end.
However, with the involvement of personnel who are supposed to be guarding against such act, the end appears far.
