An Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ad hoc staff, Arumodum Julius Akoi, was shot and killed by political thugs in Ward 7 Abua Central, Abua-Odual local government area of Rivers State. 

The incident happened during the governorship and House of Assembly election on Saturday, March 18, 2023. 

According to the Nigerian Tribune, the ad hoc staff died while he was being rushed to the hospital for medical treatment, 

Spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed one person dead at Abual-Odual but didn’t give further details.

Meanwhile, friends have taken to Facebook to mourn the deceased.

“Since Yesterday, All that has been going through my mind is, what if it was OLA J who has been actively involved in the political process, what would have happened to his young and fragile family and loved ones?” one Living Olavokere Jamala, wrote in a Facebook post on Sunday.

“The outcome of the elections in my community, Emelego was the only information I had as at the time I arrived in Abua Central on the evening of yesterday but I immediately lost interest in the whole electoral process and most likely politics when the news of the gruesome murder of my Brother and friend, Mr Arumodum Julius Akoi , a deputy director with NOSDRA who was killed in line of duty as an INEC SPO by suspected political thugs filtered into my ears upon my arrival in Ayama from Odual yesterday.

“The last time I cried like I did yesterday after hearing of Boy T’s death was when I lost my elder brother to the cold hands death. All Rivers people wanted from Buhari was a peaceful and transparent electoral process but the selfish Man from Daura couldn’t guarantee us that. I Hate Rivers State Brand Of Politics. Iyagba, my Abuja Landlord, I wish I can wake up from this dream.”