EU observers say 21 killed in Nigeria election violence

LAGOS (Reuters) - European Union election observers said on Monday at least 21 people were killed during Nigeria's regional elections, which were marked by intimidation, violence and a low turnout.

Nigerians voted for state governors in 28 of 36 states on Saturday. Results were still expected from several states on Monday, including northeastern Adamawa, a conservative and Muslim state, which could elect its first female governor.

Barry Andrews, European Union Observer Mission Nigeria chief observer told a news conference that Lagos, which re-elected the ruling party's governor, was among several southern and central states that witnessed poll related violence.

"Polling on election day was again disrupted by multiple incidences of thuggery, intimidation of voters, polling officials, observers and journalists and this occurred in most of the states," Andrews said.

"It's actually tragic that 21 people, according to our latest information, lost their lives in election-related violence."

The number of reported deaths was below the final tolls in previous elections in Africa's most populous country. Most unrest typically occurs after results are announced.

Andrews said the violence and intimidation may have led to a low turnout. While there is no nationwide turnout figure, because the voting is administered state by state, authorities put it at 16% in Lagos state - Nigeria's most populous with more than 20 million people.

He said, however, there were some improvements in Saturday's vote compared to last month's disputed presidential poll. Election materials arrived on time at most polling units, which opened early while electronic voting machines worked better than last month.

(Reporting by MacDonald Dzirutwe; Editing by Alison Williams)