The Ebonyi State Local Government Election commenced peacefully on Saturday as eligible voters across the 13 LGAs turned out to elect chairmen and councilors at the grassroots level.

Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, after casting his vote, commended the peaceful conduct of the exercise and urged voters to remain orderly and adhere strictly to electoral guidelines throughout the process.

Ijeoma Peter Nwante reports that the Governor encouraged residents to come out en masse but shun violence, intimidation and any act that could disrupt the polls.

Meanwhile, security personnel have been deployed to polling units across the state to maintain law and order and ensure a hitch-free exercise.

As of press time, voting was ongoing in most wards with officials of the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission, EBSIEC, present at designated centers.