The Independent National Electoral Commission has reported the kidnapping of one of its officials in Bayelsa State’s Sagbama Local Government Area.
Wilfred Ifogah, the state’s head of INEC voter registration, said in a statement on Friday that the electoral worker was kidnapped while waiting to board a boat at the jetty.
Wilfred Ifogah, the state’s head of INEC voter registration, claimed in a statement on its verified X account on Friday night that the officer was abducted while waiting to board a boat at the jetty.
He also revealed that a boat transporting poll staff and equipment to the southern Ijaw LGA overturned, resulting in the loss of result sheets.
“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 total number of registered voters in the affected registration areas is 5,368 and the number of PVCs collected is 5,311.
“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 at Amassoma jetty.
“The security agencies have been notified,” the statement concluded.