INEC Staff Abducted On Way To Duty Post In Bayelsa, Materials Lost After Boat Capsizes

By Babatunde Solanke

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that its Supervising Presiding Officer, SPO, has been abducted by unknown persons.

The unnamed INEC staff was abducted in Bayelsa on her way to her duty post.

The commission also said a boat conveying personnel and materials to Registration Area Centers, RACs, 17 Koluama community, in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, capsized.

This was contained in statement signed and issued to newsmen late on  Friday night, by HOD, voter education & Publicity, Wilfred Ifogah.

He stated that its SPO assigned to Registration Area- 06 (Ossioma) in Sagbama LGA was abducted while waiting to board a boat at Amassoma Jetty.

“The commission commenced movement of personnel and electoral materials to the Registration Area Centers (RACs) on Friday 10th November, 2023.

“However we wish to confirm that a boat carrying election personnel to Registration Area-17 (Koluama) in Southern ljaw LGA capsized.

“Fortunately, no life was lost as all the election personnel numbering 12 and the boat operator were rescued.

“We however lost our result sheets, power banks and luggage containing personal effects of staff.

“The total number of registered voters in the affected Registration Areas is 5368 and the number of PVCs collected is 5311.

“INEC is making efforts to ensure the conduct of elections in the affected area. The security agencies have been notified,” he said.