A devastating fire has gutted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Ika North East Local Government Area, Owa-Oyibu, Delta State, destroying crucial election materials and sparking nationwide concerns.
The incident occurred on Monday, December 2, 2024, and has been attributed to a sudden power surge following the restoration of public electricity. In a statement released on Tuesday, Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, confirmed the tragedy, detailing the extent of the damage.
According to the preliminary report submitted by Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Etekamba Umoren, the fire completely consumed the stores section of the office, which housed critical supplies, including petrol generators and election materials. The destroyed items include 706 ballot boxes, 50 election bags, 322 apron vests, three electric generators, 140 stamps, and 50 ballot box seals. Additionally, various essential supplies such as envelopes, posters, forms, and booklets were lost in the blaze.
Olumekun stated, “The Commission held its regular meeting today, Tuesday, 3rd December 2024, where it received a preliminary report on the fire incident. The report indicates that the fire was caused by a power surge following the restoration of public electricity, completely razing the stores section and destroying vital election materials.”
Read also: My life in danger, human rights lawyer cries out
Thankfully, no injuries or fatalities were reported. INEC confirmed that the incident has been reported to security agencies and emergency services for a comprehensive investigation. The Commission commended the Nigeria Police Force and the Delta State Fire Service for their swift response to the emergency.
Ika North East LGA is a critical electoral zone in Delta State, serving 14 Registration Areas, 238 Polling Units, and 131,747 registered voters. The loss of materials is expected to pose a significant challenge to election preparations in the area.
The incident has raised questions about the safety protocols at INEC offices and the implications for upcoming elections. Stakeholders and voters have called for heightened security measures to protect sensitive materials in all electoral offices across the country.