In a shocking turn of events, the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Sankara, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, was set ablaze by a group of aggrieved youths on Wednesday. The incident has sparked widespread concern and condemnation from stakeholders, with many calling for a thorough investigation and swift action to prevent future occurrences.
According to Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the attack on the INEC office occurred in the afternoon, resulting in extensive damage to the building and its contents.
While the exact cause of the attack remains unknown, it is believed to be linked to the recent elections in the state, which have been marred by controversy and unrest.
The destruction of the INEC office has raised serious concerns about the safety of electoral materials and the potential disruption of the electoral process in Benue State. The incident has also sparked fears of further violence and unrest in the region, with many calling for calm and restraint.
The attack on the INEC office has been widely condemned by stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and community leaders.
Many have called for a thorough investigation into the incident and appropriate action to prevent such incidents in the future.
“This senseless act of violence is a threat to our democracy and the rule of law,” said a spokesperson for the state government. “We urge the security agencies to investigate this incident and bring those responsible to justice.”
The full extent of the damage to the INEC office is still being assessed, but eyewitnesses report significant destruction to the building and its contents. The attack has also raised concerns about the safety of electoral officials and staff, who have been working tirelessly to conduct a peaceful and credible election in the state.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the attack on the INEC office in Benue State is a serious setback for democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria.
