The office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State was set ablaze by youths protesting against bandit activities in the region.
The attack, which took place at 2 PM on Wednesday, resulted in the destruction of office furniture and other materials, including 10 electric generators, 300 ballot boxes, and 270 voting cubicles. This information was disclosed by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, in a statement.
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Olumekun explained that the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Benue State, Professor Sam Egwu, reported the incident. “The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Benue State, Professor Sam Egwu, has reported that our Local Government Area office in Sankara, headquarters of Ukum Local Government Area, has been attacked and burnt down,” he said.
Olumekun detailed the events, noting, “The incident occurred at 2 PM today, Wednesday 3rd July 2024, when the youths in the area, said to be protesting against the activities of bandits, attacked facilities of government agencies, including INEC.”
Although no casualties were reported, the building suffered extensive damage. “Office furniture and other movable and immovable materials, including 10 electric generators, 300 ballot boxes and 270 voting cubicles, were destroyed in the attack,” Olumekun added.
The attention of security agencies has been drawn to the incident, and they have already deployed personnel to the area.
Kano Police enforce ban on protests, gatherings
Earlier, Daily News 24 reported how the the Kano State Police, led by CP Mohammed Usain Gumel, announced its commitment to enforcing the state government’s order banning all forms of protests, gatherings, and unlawful processions.
This information was revealed through a press release on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, signed by the state’s police public relations officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on behalf of the Kano State Commissioner of Police, following the government’s ban on protests.
The Commissioner of Police stated that the state government’s ban on all forms of protests will be implemented with all vigor and that anyone found wanting will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.
