Fire Guts INEC office in Delta, Destroys Election Materials

Fire has reportedly razed the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) office in Owa-Oyibu, Ika North East Local Government Area, Delta State.

According PUNCH ONLINE report, the incident occurred on Monday,  following the restoration of public electricity.

This was contained in a statement issued by INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, on Tuesday.

Olumekun stated that the preliminary report from the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Etekamba Umoren, disclosed the fire gutted the stores’ section of the office, which housed petrol generators and other items.

Olumekun said, “The Commission held its regular meeting today, Tuesday, 3rd December 2024. Among other issues, the meeting noted a preliminary report from the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Delta State, Etekamba Udo Umoren, on a fire incident at our Ika North East Local Government Area office in Owa-Oyibu town.

“The report indicates that the incident occurred in the afternoon of Monday, 2nd December 2024, as a result of a sudden power surge following the restoration of the public power supply.

“The stores section, where petrol generators and other items were kept, was completely razed. Items destroyed in the inferno include 706 ballot boxes, 50 election bags, 322 apron vests, three electric power generators, 140 stamps, 50 ballot box seals, and assorted items such as envelopes, posters, forms, and booklets.”

The national commissioner further confirmed that no injuries or fatalities were recorded during the incident.

“Fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities. The incident has been reported to the security agencies and emergency services for a thorough investigation.

“The Commission appreciates the cooperation of the Nigeria Police Force and the Delta State Fire Service for their response,” the statement added.