Election materials destroyed as fire razes INEC office in Delta

Fire has razed the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State, destroying 706 ballot boxes and other election materials

INEC confirmed the incident via a statement issued by its National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.

Olumekun said the commission received a preliminary report from the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Delta State, Etekamba Umoren, on the fire incident.

He stated that the report indicated that the inferno occurred on Monday afternoon as a result of a sudden power surge following the restoration of power supply.

Olumekun disclosed that the store’s section of the office where election materials, petrol generators, and other items were kept was completely razed.

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The INEC official noted: “Items destroyed in the inferno include; 706 ballot boxes, 50 election bags, 322 apron vests, three electric power generators, 140 stamps, 50 ballot box seals and assorted items such as envelopes, posters, forms and booklets.

“Fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities.”

Olumekun said the incident had been reported to the security agencies and emergency services for a thorough investigation.

He commended the Nigeria Police Force and the Delta State Fire Service for their response.

“Ika North-East is one of our 25 LG offices in Delta State with 14 Registration Areas (Wards), 238 Polling Units and 131,747 registered voters,” the INEC official disclosed.

The Star