Boat Carrying Election Personnel Capsizes in Bayelsa State

By Our Correspondent

A boat transporting election personnel to Registration Area-17 (Koluama) in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area (LGA) of Bayelsa State has capsized according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Bayelsa State Office.

The incident, which occurred during the movement of personnel and electoral materials to Registration Area Centers (RACs) on Friday, November 10, 2023, was confirmed in a press statement by Wilfred O.

Ifogah, the Head of Department for Voter Education & Publicity, acting on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Bayelsa State.

Fortunately,, all 12 election personnel and the boat operator on board were successfully rescued, averting any loss of life.

However, the statement disclosed the unfortunate loss of crucial items, including result sheets, power banks, and personal belongings of the staff.

The affected Registration Area-17 (Koluama) has a total of 5368 registered voters, with 5311 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) already collected. Despite the setback, INEC reassures the public that efforts are underway to ensure the seamless conduct of elections in the impacted area.

In a related incident, INEC reported the abduction of its Supervisory Presiding Officer (SPO) assigned to Registration Area-06 (Ossioma) in Sagbama LGA. The SPO was reportedly taken while waiting to board a boat at Amassoma Jetty. Security agencies have been alerted to address the situation.

INEC commenced the movement of Personnel and electoral materials to the Registration Area Centers (RACs) on Friday 10th November, 2023.