The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed a fire outbreak at its office in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State, resulting in significant damage to electoral materials.
In a statement released on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, the Commission reported that the incident occurred on Monday afternoon due to a sudden power surge following the restoration of public electricity.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Delta State, Mr. Etekamba Udo Umoren, provided details in his report, revealing the extent of the damage. “The store’s section where petrol generators and other items were kept was completely razed,” the report noted.
Among the destroyed items were 706 ballot boxes, 50 election bags, 322 apron vests, three electric power generators, 140 stamps, 50 ballot box seals, and various materials, including envelopes, posters, forms, and booklets.
Despite the severity of the fire, INEC confirmed that no injuries or fatalities were recorded. “The incident has been reported to security agencies and emergency services for a thorough investigation,” the Commission stated.
INEC expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Police Force and the Delta State Fire Service for their prompt response to the situation.
This fire marks a significant setback as the Commission continues preparations for upcoming elections. Stakeholders have raised concerns about the recurring destruction of election materials and the potential impact on the electoral process.
The Commission assured the public that it is working closely with authorities to uncover the exact cause of the fire and explore measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
