INEC Official Kidnapped, No Life Lost, Result Sheets Lost As Boat Carrying Officials Capsizes In Bayelsa 

November 11, 2023

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed the abduction of one of its personnel on Friday in the Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

According to INEC in a statement by spokesperson for the commission in the state, Wilfred Ifogah, the official was kidnapped while waiting to board a boat at the Amassoma Jetty.

“INEC also reports that its SPO (Supervising Polling Officer) 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.” .

Also a boat ferrying 12 officials capsized with result sheets, power banks and luggage of the officials lost.

“We wish to confirm that a boat carrying election personnel to Registration Area-17 (Koluama) in Southern Ijaw LGA capsized”.

“Fortunately, no life was lost as all election personnel numbering 12 and the boat operator were rescued.

“We however lost our result sheets, power banks and luggage containing personnel effects of staff.

“The total number of registered voters in the affected Registration Areas is 5,386 and the number of PVCs collected is 5,311. INEC is making efforts to ensure the conduct of elections in the affected area.”