Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has accused the military of masterminding electoral violence in the state which resulted in the death of many.

Gunshots were heard in some parts of Rivers State while forceful ballot movement by security personnel were observed in some areas.

Governor Wike was categorical when he said the military was behind the shootings, ballot box snatching and killings in his state.

“In the past we used to blame the police but I wonder why the military would descend so low to engage in electoral violence”, he said.

The State Commissioner for Information, Barr Emma Okah, said the military were seen chasing away accredited agents of parties with a view to cooking up figures in favour of the APC.

Meanwhile, the 16 Brigade of Nigerian Army in Yenagoa has arrested 15 armed thugs during the Presidential and National Assembly elections in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that both Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa and Ex-Gov. Timipre Sylva had earlier accused each other of masterminding violence that trailed the polls in the state.

Major Jonah Danjuma, spokesman of the 16 Brigade told NAN on Saturday that several arms and ammunition, among others, were recovered from the armed hoodlum suspected to be political thugs.

“Troops of 5 Battalion, 16 Brigade Nigerian Army today arrested 15 armed men suspected to be political thugs at Ikebiri 1 in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

“It was a successful operation that led to the recovery of large cache of arms, ammunition and other items.

“This feat was achieved as a direct response by vigilant troops in Operation SAFE CONDUCT 2019 in 16 Brigade Area of Responsibility.

“There are indications that the armed men are highly suspected to be political thugs who planned to disrupt the presidential and national assembly elections in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area in Bayelsa,” Danjuma said.

According to the Brigade Spokesman, items recovered from them include

one General Purpose Machine Gun, two 200 horse powered speedboats, large quantity of ammunition, 16 mobile phones and seven Motorola radio.

Also recovered are five Motorola battery charger, three wrist watches, five torch light, four identify cards, and the sum of sixteen thousand naira.

The Brigade restated her resolve to ensure a seamless conduct of the general election in support of the lead security agencies.

The Brigade, however, called on the people of the state to provide credible information on the activities of criminal elements in the society. (NAN)