The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has warned that the continuous attack on its staff and facilities is a threat to the 2023 general elections.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, made the warning in a statement in Abuja.
This is the second time the commission would be raising similar alarm this year. The first was after unknown group attacked and destroyed electoral materials at the aborted north west zonal congress of the All Progressives Congress APC in Kaduna recently.
In the latest incident on Sunday, 345 ballot boxes, 135 voting cubicles, megaphones, water tanks and office furniture were destroyed by unknown persons who attacked the INEC, in Essien Udim Local Government Area, of Akwa Ibom State.
The commission said the attack on its facility took place after it has taken an inventory of electoral materials nationwide in readiness for the 2023 general election.
“The incident occurred in the early hours of this morning, Sunday May 2, 2021. Our security guard on duty escaped unhurt but the destruction to the building and properties therein was extensive. Items destroyed include 345 ballot boxes, 135 voting cubicles, megaphones, water tanks and office furniture.
“The police, which have also been battling with attacks on its facilities and personnel in the area, is aware of the incident and has commenced investigation.
“If unchecked, these attacks may constitute a setback on the commission’s preparations, including the ongoing conversion of Voting Points to Polling Units preparatory to the 2023 general elections, ” the commission said.
The commission, however, assured Nigerians that it will leave no stone unturned to recover from the incident in Akwa Ibom State it continues to prepare for all elections.
