In a daring act, unknown gunmen executed a pre-dawn assault on the residence of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State. The incident unfolded in the early hours of Friday, December 1, 2023, sending shockwaves through the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and local security apparatus.
The INEC swiftly conveyed the alarming news through a terse statement posted on its official X account. The statement, accompanied by poignant images, revealed the extent of the damage, including burnt vehicles at the REC’s residence. It’s noteworthy that the attack transpired at approximately 3:30 am.
Despite the audacity of the gunmen, INEC assured the public that no lives were lost during the orchestrated assault. The armed assailants engaged in a protracted gun battle with security personnel stationed at the residence. Reports suggest that the exchange of gunfire lasted for over 30 minutes before reinforcements arrived, underlining the severity of the attack.
While the attack resulted in property damage during the intense gun battle, the prompt deployment of additional security forces to protect the residence prevented further escalation. This incident follows closely on the heels of a previous mob assault on the INEC state office, indicating a concerning pattern of security threats against the electoral commission in Kogi State.
In response to these escalating security concerns, INEC has called for a comprehensive and thorough investigation into the incident. The electoral body emphasized the need for enhanced security measures to safeguard not only its personnel but also its critical assets in Kogi State. This development underscores the growing challenges faced by INEC in ensuring the security and integrity of electoral processes, demanding urgent attention from relevant authorities.
