Burning Of 345 Ballot Boxes, 135 Voting Cubicles In Akwa Ibom Will Affect 2023 Polls — INEC

About 345 ballot boxes, 135 voting cubicles, megaphones, water tanks and office furniture were destroyed by yet to be identified during an attack on the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission, in Essien Udim Local Government Area, of Akwa Ibom State.

The commission described the attack on its facility which came after it concluded an inventory of electoral materials nationwide in readiness for the 2023 general election.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday, titled: “INEC Local Government Area Office in Akwa Ibom State set ablaze,” on Sunday.

The statement read in part, “The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Akwa Ibom State, Mike Igini, has reported that our office in Essien Udim Local Government Area has been set ablaze.

“The incident occurred in the early hours of this morning, Sunday May 2, 2021. Our security guard on duty escaped unhurt but the destruction to the building and properties therein was extensive. Items destroyed include 345 ballot boxes, 135 voting cubicles, megaphones, water tanks and office furniture.

“The police, which have also been battling with attacks on its facilities and personnel in the area, is aware of the incident and has commenced investigation.

“Recall that on the eve of the 2019 general election, our newly constructed prototype LGA office in Ibesikpo Asutan was burnt down while two more offices in Mkpat Enin and Eastern Obolo LGAs were bombed.

“The recent attack on our facility after we have just concluded the inventory of electoral materials nationwide in readiness for the 2023 general election is worrisome.

“If unchecked, these attacks may constitute a setback on the commission’s preparations, including the ongoing conversion of Voting Points to Polling Units, the forthcoming Continuous Registration of Voters exercise and the conduct of polls.

“Nevertheless, the commission wishes to assure Nigerians that we will leave no stone unturned to recover from the incident in Akwa Ibom State as we continue to prepare for all electoral activities.”