Hoodlums have reportedly set ablaze the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) office in Ibiatuk, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, just hours before the commencement of the local government election today, Saturday, October 5.
Police said no lives were lost, and electoral materials were unharmed, according to the Akwa Ibom Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Timfon John, who confirmed the incident.
Assuring that the incident did not affect voting, John stressed that “voters were exercising their franchise as of press time,” adding that the police had deployed more operatives to AKISIEC offices across the state to prevent further unrest.
However, the election faced several challenges, including the late arrival of materials and the absence of security operatives at polling units.
Despite the challenges, however, election proceeded with efforts to by the government using the local vigilante to secure polling stations and ensure the safety of voters.
