INEC Office Burned Down by Protesters in Benue State

By Iyojo Ameh

On Wednesday, July 3, 2024, the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State was burned down by angry youths protesting against bandit activities in the area.

Sam Olumekun, the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voters Education Committee, confirmed the incident in a statement.

He mentioned that security personnel have been deployed to the area to address the situation and restore order.

The statement reads: “The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Benue State, Professor Sam Egwu, has reported that our Local Government Area office in Sankara, headquarters of Ukum Local Government Area, has been attacked and burnt down.

“The incident occurred at 2pm today, Wednesday 3rd July 2024, when the youths in the area said to be protesting against the activities of bandits attacked facilities of government agencies, including INEC.

“Although no causalties were reported, the building has been extensively damaged. Office furniture and other movable and immovable materials, including 10 electric generators, 300 ballot boxes and 270 voting cubicles, were destroyed in the attack.

“The attention of security agencies has been drawn to the incident and they have already deployed their personnel to the area.”