Low turnout, heavy security as Plateau holds LG polls

The local government elections in Plateau state, on Saturday, witnessed low turnout of voters in Mangu, Pankshin and Kanke LGAs.

According to NAN, in most of the polling units visited in those areas, only a few persons were seen trying to cast their votes.

Also, at Sabin Gari, Angwan Hausawa II and III and Panyam township school polling units, among others, the presiding officers were said to have been issued “only 500” ballot papers each for the chairmanship and councillorship polls.

“As you can see, we have only two booklets of 500 leaflets each for the election of chairman and councillors in this polling unit,” Bello Annas, Angwan Hausawa III presiding officer, said.

Meanwhile, there was heavy deployment of security personnel at various polling units.

Security agents, including personnel of the army, police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were stationed at various polling units and voting points.

Ubah Ogaba, the Plateau police spokesman, told NAN that the deployment was to ensure peaceful elections.

“The presence of the security personnel at election points is not to intimidate or scare voters, but to ensure that the process goes on peacefully and in an orderly manner,” he said.

“The massive deployment of police personnel to all the polling units and other strategic areas is to provide tight security before, during and after the election.”

He also said the police had information that certain individuals and groups had concluded plans to disrupt peace in the state, especially during this period of election.

According to NAN, the polls were conducted peacefully in Mangu, Pankshin and Kanke LGAs.

On his part, Simon Lalong, governor of Plateau. who voted at Ajikamai in Shendam LGA, commended residents and security agencies for the peaceful conduct of the elections.