Violence erupted at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja on Monday as unidentified assailants attacked a group of Ugbarajo Itsekiri youths who were demonstrating against what they perceive as unfair constituency boundary adjustments.
Around 200 young members of the Itsekiri community gathered at the INEC premises to demand equity in the delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency in Delta State. They carried placards bearing messages such as ‘INEC must protect indigenous communities,’ ‘Warri Federal Constituency is not for sale,’ ‘Justice for Itsekiri Communities Now,’ and ‘Dollars Cannot Buy Our Land.’
The protesters allege that the ongoing constituency review process has marginalized their communities. Their peaceful assembly was disrupted when hired thugs reportedly set upon them, causing significant tension and fear among the demonstrators.
This incident highlights the deep-seated grievances surrounding political representation and the allocation of electoral districts in the Niger Delta region. The Itsekiri youths insist that their ancestral lands and political rights are being compromised by the current delineation proposals.
INEC has not yet issued an official statement regarding the attack or the underlying demands of the protesters. However, the commission is under pressure to ensure that the constituency review process is transparent and inclusive, especially in areas with complex ethnic and historical dynamics.