Photo images of voter Efidi Jennifer circulated widely on Twitter during and after Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections. The photos depicted her face covered in blood, along with images showing her bandaged face after receiving treatment following an attack by hoodlums at her polling unit in Lagos. In an interview with SEGUN ADEWOLE, she recounted her harrowing experience.
Jennifer described the attack, explaining that she had gone out with her daughter to cast her vote at Dipo Olubi Street in Surulere, like many other Nigerians. After getting verified and joining the queue, she decided to sit down because the line was not moving due to some disorderly individuals trying to cut in. While seated, she noticed a group of boys who appeared intimidating and were clearly not there to vote. Although they were initially at a distance, some people who recognized them joined their group. As the voting process continued, Jennifer suddenly felt a severe impact on her face accompanied by the sound of a gunshot. Initially thinking she had been shot, she felt blood on her face and began screaming for help, but those around her fled in panic. She managed to run into the building where voting was taking place, where someone helped her by applying pressure to her face with a handkerchief to stop the bleeding. They remained inside until the attackers left, and she later received first aid treatment from a nearby nurse before being taken to a hospital for stitches on her deep cuts.
When asked about the attackers’ success in disrupting the voting process, Jennifer mentioned that she heard they had dumped already cast ballot papers into a gutter, although she was unsure if they managed to steal any ballot boxes. She described the chaos caused by the attackers, who came armed with sharp objects and bottles, tearing down verification papers posted on the wall. Jennifer learned about the extent of the disruption only after returning from the hospital.
Despite the trauma, Jennifer felt compelled to return to the polling unit to cast her vote after her hospital visit. She saw that others had reconvened to vote and felt it was necessary to participate, stating that she had sustained her injury for this purpose. She was determined to exercise her civic rights, emphasizing that her choice of candidate was personal and not the reason for her attack. She had kept to herself at the polling unit and did not engage in political discussions, leaving her puzzled as to why she was targeted.
Regarding the viral photos of her injuries, Jennifer acknowledged that she had heard they were trending on Twitter, although she had not seen them herself as she was not a regular user of the platform. She had only recently created an account but had yet to explore it. She noted that people were inspired by her bravery when she returned to vote, receiving applause and encouragement from those present.
Since the attack, Jennifer has received support from Nigerians, with some calling to console her and others sending money to her bank account, which she has been able to confirm. Her family, particularly her husband and children, reacted with gratitude, thankful that her injuries were not more severe.
Despite receiving treatment, Jennifer continues to experience pain, especially in her eyes, and plans to see an optometrist for a check-up. She also intends to visit the hospital daily to have her wounds dressed. When asked about her advice for those who might be fearful of voting in the upcoming governorship elections due to her experience, she expressed that the attack was a tactic to discourage participation. She urged the government to implement protective measures at polling places and encouraged citizens to exercise their right to vote.
Looking ahead to the governorship election, Jennifer stated that if she is feeling well, she intends to vote, provided the government ensures adequate security measures, such as deploying armed personnel at polling units. She highlighted the lack of security in her area during the recent elections as a significant disadvantage.
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