Yet-to-be-identified gunmen have launched an attack on the residence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Lokoja, Kogi State.
INEC made this known in a statement shared on its X account on Friday, stating that the incident occurred around 3:30 am today.
According to the commission, the armed assailants engaged security personnel in a gun battle that lasted for over 30 minutes until reinforcement arrived at the scene.
While no lives were lost during the attack, the statement mentioned that property was destroyed in the ensuing confrontation. A combined team of security personnel has been deployed to protect the residence in the aftermath of the incident.
Notably, this occurrence follows a mob besieging the state office of INEC the day before.
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Sharing photos INEC said, “In the early hours of today, Friday 1st December 2023, around 3.30 am, 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. While no lives were lost, property was destroyed in the ensuing gun battle.
“A team of combined security personnel have been deployed to protect the residence. This incident occurred a day after a mob besieged our state office.”
The commission is calling for a thorough investigation into the incident and has requested enhanced security protection for its personnel and assets in Kogi State.
The unsettling event highlights the need for heightened security measures to safeguard the electoral process and those involved in facilitating it.
NIGERIACRIME recalls that the just concluded gubernatorial election in Kogi State was reportedly marred with violence as there were several reports of destruction and killings before, during and after the election.
Some notable contesters have also rejected the result of the election due to what they tag as massive rigging by the ruling party All Progressives Congress (APC).