Election materials and other properties have been destroyed following a fire incident at an office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Delta State.
The INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of Information & Voter Education Committee Sam Olumekun said the incident happened in Owa-Oyibu town, Ika North-East Local Government Area of the oil-rich state.
“The report indicates that the incident occurred in the afternoon of Monday 2nd December 2024 as a result of a sudden power surge following the restoration of the public power supply,” Olumekun said in a Tuesday statement.
“The stores’ section where petrol generators and other items were kept was completely razed.
“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.”
But no lives were lost or injuries sustained owing to the inferno, the INEC official said.
“The incident has been reported to the security agencies and emergency services for a thorough investigation,” the statement read.
“The Commission appreciates the cooperation of the Nigeria Police Force and the Delta State Fire Service for their response.”
