Amaimo Central School in Amaimo ward, Ikeduru LGA of Imo state, became the scene of gunshots as residents gathered to participate in the governorship election.
Tensions escalated when a clash erupted between police officers and party agents at the polling unit.
The conflict stemmed from disagreements over whether police officers should accompany officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to a specific polling unit in the ward.
Some party agents insisted that the police should not escort INEC officials, while the officers maintained their stance on providing security during the transportation of materials to the polling unit.
This disagreement led to a face-off between the police officers and the party agents, resulting in gunshots being fired in the vicinity.
Despite the unrest at Amaimo Central School, voting has proceeded in the off-cycle gubernatorial polls concurrently taking place in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states.
Reports from other polling units in Imo, as observed by newsmen, indicate a semblance of peace and order.
Electoral officers arrived promptly, and the voters’ register was displayed as required. However, it was noted that INEC officials did not arrive early at Amaimo Central School.
Governor Hope Uzodinma, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in Imo, is vying for re-election in the ongoing gubernatorial polls in the three states.