Protesting youths set INEC office ablaze in Benue
On Wednesday, disgruntled youths attacked and burned down the Independent National Electoral Commission's office in Sankara, the headquarters of Ukum Local Government Area in Benue State.Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, acknowledged the attack in a statement released on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the state's Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Sam Egwu, reported that the incident occurred at 2 p.m. as youths opposed bandit activities in the area.
The demonstration grew to involve the demolition of various government buildings, including the INEC headquarters.
While no casualties were recorded, the structure was stated to be heavily damaged.
According to the statement, objects destroyed include furniture, 10 electric generators, 300 vote boxes, and 270 voting cubicles, among others.
Olumekun stated that security authorities have been notified and have already sent officials to the scene to maintain order and examine the event.
The statement said, "The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Benue State, Professor Sam Egwu, has informed that our Local Government Area office in Sankara, the capital of the Ukum Local Government Area, has been attacked and burned down.
"The event occurred at 2 p.m. today, Wednesday, July 3, 2024, when youngsters in the region were said to be protesting the operations of bandits who attacked government installations, including INEC.
"Although no casualties were recorded, the building sustained considerable damage. The attack destroyed office furniture and other movable and immovable resources, such as 10 electric generators, 300 vote boxes, and 270 voting cubicles.
According to data issued by the INEC on December 16, 2022, the commission has reported 50 attacks on its facilities in 15 states over the last four years, with Imo State leading the list of states affected with 11 instances.
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