The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reported a troubling incident in the Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, as one of its officials was reportedly abducted. Wilfred Ifogah, the head of INEC voters’ registration in the state, disclosed in a statement on Friday that the abduction occurred while the official was waiting to board a boat at the jetty.
Adding to the concerns, Ifogah revealed that a boat transporting election personnel and materials to the southern Ijaw Local Government Area (LGA) capsized, resulting in the loss of crucial result sheets. The incident occurred as the team was en route to registration area 17 (Koluama) in southern Ijaw LGA.
“We wish to confirm that a boat carrying election personnel to registration area 17 (Koluama) in southern Ijaw LGA capsized,” the statement read. “Fortunately, no life was lost as all the election personnel numbering 12 and the boat operator were rescued. We, however, lost our result sheets, power banks, and luggage containing personal effects of staff.”
The affected registration areas account for 5,368 registered voters, with 5,311 PVCs collected. Despite the setback, INEC is actively working to ensure the smooth conduct of elections in the affected area.
In a separate incident reported by INEC, the Supervisory Presiding Officer (SPO) assigned to registration area 06 (Ossioma) in Sagbama LGA was abducted while waiting to board at Amassoma jetty. Security agencies have been notified, and the electoral body is closely monitoring the situation.
The developments raise concerns about the security and logistical challenges faced by INEC as the elections approach. The electoral body reassures the public of its commitment to ensuring the integrity and safety of the electoral process in Bayelsa State.