2023 Election Campaign: Fears over bandits, unknown gunmen threats

By Adeleye Kunle

Unlike previous election years, the 2023 election campaign may be marred by the activities of the bloodthirsty bandits and unknown gunmen who have been unleashing terror on unsuspecting citizens of the country.

Track News recalls that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had slated September 28 for the commencement of the 2023 election campaign.

The security crisis rocking the entire nation may, however, mar the campaign activities in several States, particularly the Northern and Southeastern parts of the country.

While the Boko Haram insurgents and the Islamic State of the West African Province, ISWAP fighters continue to wreak havoc in the North, the daredevil unknown gunmen still remain a big threat to peaceful gathering in the Southeast.

Track News recalls that amid declaration by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, that there would be no elections in the Southeast over their agitation for secession, several government facilities belonging to the electoral body had been attacked and destroyed by the unknown gunmen. However, the IPOB continue to dissociate themselves from the activities of the unknown gunmen.

According to INEC, in the past two years, about 41 offices of the commission have been attacked with several properties destroyed across Nigeria by armed non-State actors.

The attacks, according to the data recently published by the commission, occurred in 14 States between February 2019 and May 2021.

Southeast, especially Imo State topped the log with the most attacks during the period under review.

“These are attacks as a result of election-related violence, protests unrelated to elections and activities of thugs and unknown gunmen,” INEC chairman, Mahmud Yakubu said.

Similarly, terrorist groups, including armed bandits had threatened a showdown with politicians as the country prepares for the 2023 general elections