The office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State was razed by fire on Monday, December 2, 2024.
It was gathered that the inferno was triggered by a sudden power surge following the restoration of the public power supply.
This was contained in a statement released on Tuesday, by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, where the commission explained that the stores section where petrol generators and other items were kept was completely razed.
The statement read, “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.”
According to Olumekun, “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.”
He said, however, there were no injuries or fatalities.
The incident has been reported to the security agencies and emergency services for a thorough investigation.
He said that the Commission appreciated the cooperation of the Nigeria Police Force and the Delta State Fire Service for their response.
Olumekun added that Ika North East is one of the 25 LGA offices in Delta State with 14 Registration Areas (Wards), 238 Polling Units and 131,747 registered voters.
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