Bayelsa Election: INEC Official Abducted, Over 5,300 Result Sheets Lost In Boat Accident

Gunmen have kidnapped the Supervising Presiding Officer (SPO) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) assigned to registration area 06 in Ossioma, Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The INEC official, whose identity was not known as at the time of filling this report was abducted at Amassoma Community in Southern Ijaw LGA while waiting to board a boat at a jetty in the area.

It was also gathered that a boat transporting election personnel to registration area 17 in Koluama Community, Southern Ijaw LGA, capsized, resulting in the loss of election materials, including result sheets.

INEC’s Head of Department for Voters Education and Publicity in Bayelsa State, Mr. Wilfred Ifogah, confirmed both incidents but assured that there were no casualties.

He said that twelve personnel and the boat operator were successfully rescued.

Despite the loss of result sheets and other materials, Ifogah said that efforts are underway to ensure the smooth conduct of elections in the affected area.

Ifogah said: “We wish to confirm that a boat carrying personnel to registration area 17 (Koluama) in Southern Ijaw LGA capsized, 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 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 notified,” he said.

As of the time of reporting, the police spokesperson in Bayelsa State, CSP Asinim Butswat, had not responded to inquiries regarding the incidents.

KanyiDaily recalls that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had mobilized its team to supervise the ongoing governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi.