The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Hafiz Ringim, said on Thursday that 520 persons were killed in the post-election violence in Kaduna and Niger states.
He said Kaduna State recorded for 518, out this number, six (6) were policemen the remaining two persons were killed in Niger State.
The IG of Police also noted that 77 persons were injured in Kaduna State while 22,000 persons were displaced as a result of the crisis in the state.
Ringim gave this breakdown during a review of the 2011 general elections organised by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, in Abuja.
The police boss, who was represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 7 Headquarters, Felix Ogbaudu, said the destruction of property was also colossal.
He said, “ One hundred and fifty-seven churches, 46 mosques and 1,435 houses were burnt.
“Four hundred and thirty-seven vehicles, 219 motor-cycles were also burnt. Forty five properties belonging to the police were also burnt.”
He explained that the destruction of lives and property was less in Niger State when compared to Kaduna State. He said two persons were killed while four others were injured.
The IGP noted that the police was forced to contend with a lot of challenges during the polls.
He said “The Police had to contend with a number of challenges ranging from inadequate logistic support and manpower among others.
Ringim also accused some contestants in the elections for preparing the grounds for the mayhem through their conduct and utterances.
He enjoined the Independent National Electoral Commission and political parties to step up voter education to step the misconception associated with the electoral process.
The Police also called for legislation against the illegal possession of fire arms as a way of checking election violence.
Earlier, chairman of the occasion, Justice Mohammed Uwaiz, said although the 2011 elections were not perfect, it was agreed that it was a remarkable departure from the failures of the past.
He said “Nowhere in the world do we have a perfect election. What we strive to do is to have a near perfect election.
“The last elections have come and gone but they have left behind their foot prints which we can use to improve on future elections.”
In his contributions, the Chairman of INEC Prof. Attahiru Jega, said the commission learnt a lot of lessons from the elections.
He said “ The election was not perfect. We are however glad that like we promised the election was a remarkable improvement over what happened in 2007.”
The National Security Adviser, Gen. Andrew Azazi who was represented by a director in his office, Lai Lasainde said a lot of credit should go to President Goodluck Jonathan who demonstrated the political will to ensure the credibility of the polls.
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