By Damilare Adeleye
Election materials have reportedly been destroyed by fire that gutted the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Owa-Oyibu, Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.
A statement issued by INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, confirmed the incident on Tuesday.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, was reportedly caused by a power surge following the restoration of public electricity.
According to a preliminary report from the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Etekamba Umoren, the fire gutted the stores section of the office, which housed petrol generators and other items.
Materials destroyed in the blaze included 706 ballot boxes, 50 election bags, 322 apron vests, three electric generators, 140 stamps, and 50 ballot box seals.
Various other supplies, such as envelopes, posters, forms, and booklets, were also lost.
Olumekun said, “The Commission held its regular meeting today, Tuesday, 3rd December 2024. Among other issues, the meeting noted a preliminary report from the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Delta State, Etekamba Udo Umoren, on a fire incident at our Ika North East Local Government Area office in Owa-Oyibu town.
“The report indicates that the incident occurred in the afternoon of Monday, 2nd December 2024, as a result of a sudden power surge following the restoration of the public power supply.
“The stores section, where petrol generators and other items were kept, was completely razed. Items destroyed in the inferno include 706 ballot boxes, 50 election bags, 322 apron vests, three electric power generators, 140 stamps, 50 ballot box seals, and assorted items such as envelopes, posters, forms, and booklets.”
The national commissioner confirmed that no injuries or fatalities were recorded during the incident.
The electoral body also stated that security agencies and emergency services had been informed to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire.
The Commission commended the Nigeria Police Force and the Delta State Fire Service for their prompt response.
“Fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities. The incident has been reported to the security agencies and emergency services for a thorough investigation.
“The Commission appreciates the cooperation of the Nigeria Police Force and the Delta State Fire Service for their response,” the statement added.
Ika North East LGA is one of 25 INEC offices in Delta State, serving 14 Registration Areas, 238 Polling Units, and 131,747 registered voters.
