Borno Voters Defy Gunfire, Turn-Out En-Masse

Residents of Maiduguri metropolis woke up this morning to the sound of gun fire generated by a pre-meditated Boko Haram attack.

The attack is believed to have been carried out by a faction of the Boko Haram sect known as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

But the violence did not stop voters from turning out enmasse to vote in an election they consider crucial to their induvial survival and the future of the country.

Sporadic gun fire erupted at various parts of Maiduguri as early as 5;30 am, a development that many feared could lead to very low voter turn-out.

But voters defied the threats to their lives to cast their votes as early as 7am in several polling centres.

Abu Kachala, a trader, who claimed he voted for PDP for president, explained the large voter turnout. “People are determined to have a change and nothing can stop them from voting. We are tired of suffering,” he said, adding that the result of the election will shock people.

Also, some residents in the state capital who expressed determination to vote despite palpable fear, said they would be doing a great disservice to themselves and the state if they do not go out to the polls to vote a new government at the federal level that would bring an end to their plight.

A local observer who spoke to THE WHISTLER on condition of anonymity said it would appear as if people had made up their minds to vote. “The turnout is huge, and the threats of gun shots have not discouraged them. The only way to explain it is to say it’s a rebellion against fear and a desire for change.”

A similar turn-out of voters was witnessed in Kano where many went to the polls as early as 5am in some parts of the city.

Recall that there were unconfirmed reports last night that the insurgents attacked an outskirts area of Jere known as Zabarmari, the twin capital township of Maiduguri.

The Boko Haram sect had similarly carried out an attack in the state last Saturday, the day the February 16 presidential and National Assembly elections were rescheduled.