Unknown hoodlums in the early hours of Sunday set ablaze the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Festus Okoye, INEC National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, confirmed the incident, saying the security guard on duty escaped unhurt and that the destruction to the building and properties was extensive.
He said about 345 ballot boxes, including 135 voting cubicles, megaphones, water tanks and office furniture were destroyed.
According to Okoye, “It will be recalled that on the eve of the 2019 General Election, our newly constructed prototype LGA office in Ibesikpo Asutan was burnt down while two more offices in Mkpat Enin and Eastern Obolo LGAs were bombed.
“The recent attack on our facility after we have just concluded the inventory of electoral materials nationwide in readiness for the 2023 general election is worrisome.
“If unchecked, these attacks may constitute a setback on the Commission’s preparations, including the ongoing conversion of Voting Points to Polling Units, the forthcoming Continuous Registration of Voters (CVR) exercise and the conduct of polls.
“Nevertheless, the Commission wishes to assure Nigerians that we will leave no stone unturned to recover from the incident in Akwa Ibom State as we continue to prepare for all electoral activities.”
