At least 21 people died over the weekend during state polls in Nigeria ahead of presidential elections on April 21.

“About 21 people have been killed including some police officers while trying to protect INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) officers,” national police boss Sunday Ehindero said.

“Of course we have some wounded too — about 14. We have arrested about 218 suspects*.”

Local media gave wildly different figures for Saturday’s casualties*, ranging from about 40 to more than 130, but all were far higher than official police figures.

According to witnesses, eight ballot* boxes were hijacked* in different polling centers, an action which led to street protests by voters.

At least 21 people died over the weekend during state polls in Nigeria ahead of presidential elections on April 21.

“About 21 people have been killed including some police officers while trying to protect INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) officers,” national police boss Sunday Ehindero said.

“Of course we have some wounded too — about 14. We have arrested about 218 suspects*.”

Local media gave wildly different figures for Saturday’s casualties*, ranging from about 40 to more than 130, but all were far higher than official police figures.

According to witnesses, eight ballot* boxes were hijacked* in different polling centers, an action which led to street protests by voters.