Bayelsa guber: INEC official kidnapped, result sheets lost in capsized boat

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says one of its officials has been abducted in Sagbama LGA of Bayelsa state.

In a statement on Friday, Wilfred Ifogah, head of INEC voters’ registration in the state, said the official was kidnapped while waiting to board a boat at the jetty.

He also said that a boat conveying election personnel and materials to Southern Ijaw LGA capsized, adding that result sheets were lost in the process.

“We wish to confirm that a boat carrying election personnel to registration area 17 (Koluama) in Southern Ijaw LGA capsized,” he said.

“Fortunately no life was lost as all the election personnel numbering 12 and the boat operator were rescued.

“We however lost our result sheets, power banks and luggage containing personal effects of staff.

“The total number of registered voters in the affected registration areas is 5,368 and the number of PVCs collected is 5,311.

“INEC is making efforts to ensure the conduct of election in the affected area.

“INEC also reports that its SPO assigned to registration area 06 (Ossioma) in Sagbama LGA was abducted while waiting to board at Amassoma jetty.

“The security agencies have been notified.”

INEC is conducting off-cycle governorship polls in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi on November 11.