INEC Office in Benue Torched
Protesting youths set fire to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Sankara, Benue State, on July 3, 2024. The incident, which occurred at the headquarters of Ukum Local Government Area, has caused significant damage to the government facility.
INEC Confirms Attack
Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, confirmed the attack in an official statement. He detailed that the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Benue State, Prof. Sam Egwu, reported the assault began around 2 p.m. The youths were protesting against the activities of bandits in the area, which led to the escalation and targeting of government facilities, including the INEC office.
Extensive Damage Reported
The protest led to the destruction of several government properties. Among the items destroyed were office furniture, 10 electric generators, 300 ballot boxes, and 270 voting cubicles. Despite the extensive damage, officials reported no casualties. The destruction underscores the severity of the unrest in the region.
Security Measures in Place
Following the attack, security agencies alerted personnel and deployed them to restore order and investigate the incident. The prompt response aims to prevent further escalation and ensure the safety of the remaining government facilities and the local population.
INEC’s Ongoing Challenges
This recent attack adds to a troubling trend of assaults on INEC facilities. According to data released on December 16, 2022, INEC recorded 50 attacks on its facilities across 15 states over the past four years, with Imo State being the most affected with 11 incidents. This highlights the persistent security challenges faced by the commission.
Call for Stability
The government and local leaders are calling for calm and a peaceful resolution to the grievances of the protesting youths. Officials prioritise ensuring the stability and security of electoral processes and are taking steps to address the underlying issues that led to the protest.
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