Gunmen Attack Residence of INEC Commissioner in Kogi

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

Unknown gunmen in the wee hours of Friday attacked the residence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Lokoja, Kogi State.

The incident occurred a day after a mob besieged the state office of the commission and even after INEC had complied with the order of the court by giving political parties access to election materials used in the November 11 governorship election in the state.

The Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi said the armed men engaged the security personnel in a gun battle for over 30 minutes until reinforcement arrived.

He added that while no life was lost, property were destroyed in the ensuing gun battle.

Oyekanmi stressed that a team of combined security personnel had been deployed to protect the residence.

He said: “In the early hours of today, Friday 1st December 2023, around 3.30am, gunmen attacked the residence of our Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Lokoja, Kogi State.

“The armed men engaged the security personnel in a gun battle for over 30 minutes until reinforcement arrived.”

The commission, therefore, called for a thorough investigation and enhanced security protection for its personnel and assets in Kogi State.