The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced its office in Essien Udim Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State has been set ablaze by unknown hoodlums.

Festus Okoye Esq, the National Commissioner, and IVEC Chairman disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, April 2.

The statement said the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday and that the security guard on duty at the INEC office escaped unhurt.

It was also disclosed in the statement that the fire destroyed 345 ballot boxes, 135 voting cubicles, megaphones, water tanks and furnitures. INEC, however, revealed that an investigation by the police into the incident has commenced.

The statement read, “The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Akwa Ibom State, Barr. Mike Igini, has reported that our office in Essien Udim Local Government Area has been set ablaze.

“The incident occurred in the early hours of this morning, Sunday 2nd May 2021. Our security guard on duty escaped unhurt but the destruction to the building and properties therein was extensive. Items destroyed include 345 ballot boxes, 135 voting cubicles, megaphones, water tanks, and office furniture.

“The police, which has also been battling with attacks on its facilities and personnel in the area, is aware of the incident and has commenced investigation.

“The recent attack on our facility after we have just concluded the inventory of electoral materials nationwide in readiness for the 2023 General Election is worrisome. If unchecked, these attacks may constitute a setback on the Commission’s preparations, including the ongoing conversion of Voting Points to Polling Units, the forthcoming Continuous Registration of Voters (CVR) exercise and the conduct of polls.

“Nevertheless, the Commission wishes to assure Nigerians that we will leave no stone unturned to recover from the incident in Akwa Ibom State as we continue to prepare for all electoral activities.