Some police officers involved in providing security during the Anambra State governorship election have been shot by some Nigerian Army personnel.

It was gathered that the army personnel were involved in an argument with the policemen at a checkpoint along Onitsha Road on Sunday before opening fire on them.

“Happening now on our way coming back from Anambra State election, we had a misunderstanding with Army personnel at a military checkpoint.

“Before we know what was going on, they opened fire on us. One of us was shot directly on his chest with many other policemen injured,” a policeman told SaharaReporters.

“The issue has generated to riot as we are talking. We have as well called for backup.”

About 45,000 police personnel were deployed for the November 8, 2025, Anambra State governorship election won by the incumbent, Charles Soludo.

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) secured 422,664 votes to defeat his closest rival, Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who polled 99,445 votes.

Paul Chukwuma of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) came third with 37,753 votes, while John Nwosu of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) scored 8,208 votes.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo over his gubernatorial election victory in Anambra, saying his re-election is an affirmation of his visionary leadership.

The governor was declared winner of the election after polling 422,664 votes, defeating his closest rival, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu of the All Progressives Congress, who scored 99,445 votes.

In a statement he personally signed on Sunday, Tinubu congratulated the governor on his victory.

He pointed out that the overwhelming victory he recorded in Saturday’s poll has now made him the third governor in the state’s political history to win a second term.

Tinubu said: “I must also congratulate the people of Anambra State, the security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the peaceful and successful conduct of the governorship election.

“Professor Soludo’s re-election is a testament to his visionary leadership and the significant progress the state has made under his guidance.

“Governor Soludo, the Solution, has demonstrated that indeed knowledge is power and that academic principles can be applied in serving the people, undergirding accountability, transparency and prudent management of people and resources.

“I visited Anambra State in May this year, where I inaugurated some projects executed by the Soludo administration. I highlighted the good thinking behind the landmark projects being embarked upon by Mr Solution. That experience is indeed remarkable and will remain indelible in my mind.

“I commend Governor Soludo for bringing discipline, grace, brilliance, and a fresh perspective to governance in Anambra. Under him, Anambra is living up to its motto as the Light of the Nation.

“I urge Governor Soludo to be magnanimous in victory and to seek the cooperation of his opponents in the just-concluded elections.

“I assure Governor Soludo of my unwavering support, and I look forward to continued collaboration between Anambra and the Federal Government.

“The victory of the opposition All Grand Progressives Alliance in the election again demonstrates the vitality of our political system and the fact that victory for any progressive and hardworking leader can hardly be encumbered or denied.

“I must also thank the new INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, and his team for conducting what observers have described as a credible election, based on the reports I have received thus far.

“I charge the commission with maintaining the standards and further improving its performance, so we can continue to strengthen and deepen our electoral system.”

At least five people have been killed and nine women abducted after suspected bandits attacked Bargaje community in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Residents said the assailants, believed to be loyal to the notorious warlord Bello Turji, invaded the village on Friday night, riding on motorcycles and firing sporadically as they advanced.

The attack, which reportedly lasted for several hours, left many villagers scampering into nearby bushes for safety as the gunmen looted homes and set several houses ablaze.

“They came through the eastern part of the village and caught us off guard. Our local vigilantes tried to confront them but were overpowered,” a community member told Sunday Punch on condition of anonymity.

Although the Sokoto State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement as of press time, a senior police source confirmed the incident but declined to provide details of casualties.

Repeated calls to the Command’s spokesperson, ASP Ahmed Rufai, were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, the Isa Local Government Council has dismissed reports circulating on social media accusing its chairman, Sharehu Kamarawa, of ignoring intelligence warnings before the attack.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the council described the allegation as “false, baseless, and malicious,” insisting that proactive steps were taken once credible intelligence was received.

“Upon receiving the alert, the council mobilised vigilante groups and informed relevant security agencies. Unfortunately, the bandits changed route and struck at Bargaje,” the statement read.

The council said the local security commander in charge of the area had been sanctioned and replaced to improve coordination and response in future.

Chairman Kamarawa reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting ongoing security operations through logistics, fuel supply, and welfare assistance to both formal and community security teams.

He also appealed to residents to avoid spreading unverified information that could undermine security efforts.

“Security is a shared responsibility. What we need is cooperation, vigilance, and credible intelligence, not rumours that weaken our collective resolve,” he said.