The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State was set on fire by protesting youths on Wednesday.
The protesters, demonstrating against rampant bandit activities in the state, attacked the government facility at approximately 2 PM.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, confirmed the incident in a statement.
According to Olumekun, the protesters targeted multiple government agencies, resulting in significant damage to the INEC office.
“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,” Olumekun said.
He detailed the extent of the destruction, noting that office furniture, 10 electric generators, 300 ballot boxes, and 270 voting cubicles were among the items destroyed. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
Olumekun assured that security agencies have been notified and personnel have been deployed to the area to manage the situation.
The attack reflects growing frustration among locals regarding the government's handling of banditry and insecurity in Benue State.
Authorities are expected to address the root causes of these protests to prevent further escalation.
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