The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Sankara, the headquarters of Ukum Local Government Area, was set ablaze by protesting youths on Wednesday. The National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, confirmed the incident in a statement released late Wednesday.
According to the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Benue State, Prof. Sam Egwu, the attack occurred at 2 pm during a protest against the activities of bandits in the region. The demonstration turned violent, leading to the destruction of various government facilities, including the INEC office.
Although no casualties were reported, the damage to the building was extensive. Numerous items were destroyed, including furniture, 10 electric generators, 300 ballot boxes, and 270 voting cubicles.
Olumekun stated that security agencies have been informed and have dispatched personnel to the area to restore order and investigate the incident.
“The Resident Electoral Commissioner 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,” Olumekun said. “The incident occurred at 2 p.m. today, Wednesday, 3rd July 2024, when the youths in the area were said to be protesting against the activities of bandits who attacked facilities of government agencies, including INEC.”
While no casualties were reported, the building suffered extensive damage, with office furniture and other materials, including 10 electric generators, 300 ballot boxes, and 270 voting cubicles, destroyed in the attack.
This incident is part of a troubling pattern. On December 16, 2022, INEC released data revealing 50 attacks on its facilities across 15 states over the past four years, with Imo State experiencing the highest number of incidents, totaling 11 attacks.
