Hoodlums abduct INEC official in Bayelsa

….as boat conveying personnel, electoral materials capsizes

.No life lost

Damilola Ajibola

An official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Bayelsa State , has been abducted by suspected hoodlums, ahead of today’s governorship election in the State.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Head of Department, Voter Education and Publicity, Wilfred Ifogah, on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, and obtained by News Contact Online.

The affected official said to be SPO assigned to Registration Area 06 (Ossioma) in Sagbama LGA was kidnapped while waiting to board a boat at Amassoma Jetty.

Ifogah said relevant security agencies have been adequately informed about the development.

In the same vein, the electoral body has confirmed that a boat carrying election personnel to Registration Area -17 (Koluama) in Southern Ijaw LGA has capsized.

However, no life was said to have been lost in the incident, as all election personnel numbering 12 and boat operators were rescued.

The statement reads, “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Bayelsa State Office commenced the movement of personnel and electoral materials to the Registration Area Centres (RACs) on Friday.

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

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

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

“The total number of registered voters in the affected Registration Area is 5368 and the number of PVCs collected is 5311. INEC is making efforts to ensure the conduct of election in the affected area.

“INEC also reports that its SPO assigned to Registration Area 06 (Ossioma) in Sagbama LGA was abducted while waiting to board a boat at Amassoma Jetty. The security agencies have been informed.”