INEC raises alarm, says staff held hostage in Bayelsa LGA

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has revealed that some of its officials are being held hostage in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

In a post shared on its X page on Sunday, November 12, the commission noted that they are closely monitoring the situation.

The incident occurred following the off-cycle governorship election held on on Saturday.

INEC called on security agencies to immediately facilitate their release as the development is detrimental to the election.

The statement read:

“The Unfolding Situation in Brass Local Government Area.

“The Commission is closely watching the situation in Brass LGA of Bayelsa State where our officials are held hostage.

“This is detrimental to credible elections. We call on the security agencies to immediately facilitate their release.”

According to report, this came after the commissioners and members of the Bayelsa state House of Assembly laid siege to the INEC office, insisting that elections didn't take place at Bassambiri, Nembe.