Some notable international bodies have called on the federal government and its security agencies to thoroughly investigate the violence and killings that marred the December 10 legislative rerun election in Rivers State.
They condemned the rate of violence, intimidation and killings by supporters of the major political parties in the State during the poll.
A Deputy Superintendent of Police, DSP Mohammed Alkali, was beheaded by unknown armed men in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local government area of the state during the election and the Force Headquarters yesterday said three of the suspects have been arrested.
A statement jointly signed by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul T. Arkwright, French Ambassador to Nigeria, Denys Guaer, the United State Ambassador to Nigeria, W. Stuart Symington and European Union Head of Delegation to Nigeria, Michel Arrion, which was made available to DAILYPOST, said the killings and violence should not be swept under the carpet.
The statement reads, “We note with concern the rising tension in Rivers state ahead of elections on 10 December. We followed closely the conduct of the elections held in Rivers state on 10th December and the days immediately following.
“We are extremely concerned by the use of incendiary language, intimidation and violence by supporters of both the major political parties prior to and during the elections.
“We praise the bravery and commitment of those INEC staff who persevered in their work on the ground to ensure polls went ahead in the face of severe challenges, but are troubled by reports that some INEC officials accepted payment to influence election outcomes.
“We are saddened by the deaths reported of civilians and police officers who were present in the state.
“We call for a transparent and full investigation into those deaths and other security incidents, including of credible reports that some elements of the security forces either obstructed the course of the elections or improperly influenced the results.
“We call on the leadership of all political parties and their supporters to allow future elections in Nigeria to go ahead peacefully.”
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