By Folorunso Alagbede, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, office in Ika North local government area of Delta State has been razed by fire.
The fire incident, according to a statement, Tuesday, by the the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Sam Olumekun occured in the afternoon of Monday, 2nd December 2024.
The statement attributed the incident to a sudden power surge following the restoration of public power supply.
The stores section of the office, where petrol generators and other items were kept, the statement stressed, was completely razed.
Items destroyed in the inferno included 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.
It added however that fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities.
The incident has been reported to the security agencies and emergency services for a thorough investigation.
The statement by Olumekun reads, “The Commission held its regular meeting today, Tuesday 3rd December 2024. Among other issues, the meeting took note of a preliminary report from the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Delta State, Mr. Etekamba Udo Umoren, on a fire incident at our Ika North East Local Government Areaa (LGA) office in Owa-Oyibu town.
“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 public power supply.
“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.
“Fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities.
“The incident has been reported to the security agencies and emergency services for a thorough investigation.
“The Commission appreciates the cooperation of the Nigeria Police Force and the Delta State Fire Service for their response.
“Ika North East is one of our 25 LGA offices in Delta State with 14 Registration Areas (Wards), 238 Polling Units and 131,747 registered voters”, it said.
