THE Bayelsa governorship election was, yesterday, marred by violence, inducement of voters and apathy in parts of the state, particularly in the riverine and coastal areas. Malfunctioning of card reader machines was also rampant.

Southern Ijaw, Ekeremor, Brass and Nembe local councils were worst hit as thugs unleashed mayhem on rival supporters.

although four persons were reportedly killed, an indigene of the area told Sunday  that those confirmed dead were more.

Gunmen were said to have invaded the riverside community in the early hours of the day ostensibly to hijack election materials. Three of the invaders were reportedly killed as security forces battled to restore normalcy while the fourth victim was said to have been felled by stray bullets.

Elsewhere in the riverine Nembe and Brass local councils,the election day eve witnessed shootings and disruption of the peace,which prompted reinforcement of security personnel in the area.