In a troubling development, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Ukum Local Government Area, Benue State, has been attacked and set ablaze by protesters.
In a statement by National Commissioner & Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, mni, who confirmed the incident and emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of INEC offices and materials across the country.
He explained that, the incident occurred at approximately 2 PM on Wednesday, July 3, 2024.
Professor Sam Egwu, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Benue State, reported that the attack took place at the INEC office in Sankara, the headquarters of Ukum Local Government Area.
The protest was reportedly carried out by local youths demonstrating against the activities of bandits in the area.
While no casualties have been reported, the damage to the building is extensive. The fire destroyed office furniture and other essential materials, including 10 electric generators, 300 ballot boxes, and 270 voting cubicles.
Security agencies have been alerted to the incident, and personnel have been deployed to the area to restore order and investigate the attack.
