In the early hours of Friday, December 1, 2023, unidentified gunmen targeted the residence of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Lokoja, Kogi State, according to a statement released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The attack occurred around 3:30 am and involved a fierce gun battle lasting over 30 minutes between the armed assailants and security personnel stationed at the residence.
While no lives were lost during the confrontation, significant damage to property was reported.
INEC promptly deployed additional security forces to safeguard the REC’s residence, responding to the incident with a commitment to the protection of personnel and assets in Kogi State.
This unfortunate event follows closely on the heels of a previous incident where a mob besieged INEC’s state office.
The electoral commission is calling for a comprehensive investigation into the attacks and is advocating for heightened security measures to ensure the safety of its personnel and assets in Kogi State.
INEC made the announcement through an official statement shared on their social media account, urging authorities to conduct a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding both incidents.
The electoral body’s plea for enhanced security protection underscores the importance of maintaining a secure environment for the electoral process, emphasizing the need to address potential threats to the integrity of the democratic system.
