A fire has ravaged the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State, destroying several election materials.
INEC confirmed the incident on Tuesday via a post on its official X account, revealing that 706 ballot boxes, 50 election bags, 322 apron vests, and various other items were lost in the blaze.
The fire, which occurred on Monday afternoon, was reportedly caused by a power surge that followed the restoration of the public electricity supply.
According to the report from Mr. Etekamba Udo Umoren, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Delta State, the fire completely destroyed the section of the office where petrol generators and other materials were stored.
In addition to the ballot boxes and election bags, other items destroyed in the fire included three electric generators, 140 stamps, 50 ballot box seals, and various forms, envelopes, posters, and booklets. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported.
INEC has notified the appropriate security and emergency agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Delta State Fire Service, and has called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire.
The Commission expressed gratitude for the swift response from the police and fire services.
