#NigeriaElections2023: Hoodlums attack INEC ad-hoc staff in Gombe

Suspected hoodlums have attacked a camp holding some ad-hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Gombe state. 

NAN reports that the ad-hoc staff were attacked at Tudunwada Primary School, in the Gombe metropolis, where had they camped ahead of today’s elections.

Oqua Etim, the state commissioner of police, who confirmed the attack on Saturday, described the incident as “unfortunate”.

Etim said the attack was possible because the electoral officials moved with election materials without security officials.

“They were attacked by suspected hoodlums. It is very unfortunate, the ad hoc staff moved with materials ahead of the security personnel. That was the mistake they made,” he said.

“They were trying to settle in before other colleagues who were to go with the security team from INEC office.

“Unfortunately the hoodlums took advantage of that. We have taken steps to ensure that such a situation doesn’t occur again.

“This has never happened. We planned that as they leave the INEC office as a team, they will be escorted to their various locations.”

NAN reports that the suspected hoodlums stole cell phones, backpacks, and power banks during the attack.

INEC is yet to react to the incident as of the time of this report.