Protesters torch INEC office in Benue

A group of youths in Benue State’s Ukum Local Government Area, demonstrating against the surge in banditry, has set fire to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) office.

The attack resulted in the destruction of various items, including office furniture, 10 electric generators, 300 ballot boxes, and 270 voting cubicles, both movable and immovable properties.

Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC, disclosed this in a statement released on Wednesday.

Olumekun said the incident occurred at 2 p.m. when the youths in the area attacked the facilities of government agencies, including those of INEC.

He said: “The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) 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.

“The incident occurred at 2 p.m. today, Wednesday 3rd July 2024, when the youths in the area said to be protesting against the activities of bandits attacked facilities of government agencies, including INEC.

“Although no casualties were reported, the building has been extensively damaged. Office furniture and other movable and immovable materials, including 10 electric generators, 300 ballot boxes, and 270 voting cubicles, were destroyed in the attack.”

Olumekun further stated that the security agencies have been alerted about the incident, and they have responded by deploying their personnel to the affected area to maintain law and order.