INEC official abducted, result sheets missing in Bayelsa boat accident

Report indicates that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Supervising Presiding Officer (SPO) assigned to registration area 06 in Ossioma, Sagbama local government area of Bayelsa state, has been abducted.

It was gathered that the INEC official was kidnapped at Amassoma Community in Southern Ijaw LGA while waiting to board a boat.

Also, a boat carrying election materials, result sheets and personnel to registration area 17 in Koluama Community, Southern Ijaw LGA, have been reported to have capsized.
The INEC Head of Department, Voters Education and Publicity in Bayelsa state, Wilfred Ifogah, confirmed the two incidents.

Mr Ifogah also confirmed that no life was lost in the incident and that the 12 personnel and a boat operator were rescued.

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."

The incident occurred as INEC holds an off-cycle governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi on Saturday, November 11.

PRESS RELEASE
Boat with 12 Election Personnel Capsizes in Southern Ijaw, SPO Abducted in Sagbama pic.twitter.com/SqTt9JtBhv

— INEC Nigeria (@inecnigeria) November 10, 2023