The office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State was destroyed by fire on Monday, December 2, 2024.
Reports indicate that the fire was caused by a sudden power surge after the public electricity supply was restored.
This was confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday by Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.
The commission stated that the fire completely consumed the stores section, where petrol generators and other items were stored.
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The statement read, “The Commission held its regular meeting today, Tuesday 3rd December 2024. Among other issues, the meeting took note of a preliminary report from the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Delta State, Mr. Etekamba Udo Umoren, on a fire incident at our Ika North East Local Government Areaa (LGA) office in Owa-Oyibu town.
“The report indicates that the incident occurred in the afternoon of Monday 2nd December 2024 as a result of a sudden power surge following the restoration of public power supply.”
According to Olumekun, “Items destroyed in the inferno include 706 ballot boxes, 50 election bags, 322 apron vests, three electric power generators, 140 stamps, 50 ballot box seals and assorted items such as envelopes, posters, forms and booklets.”
He stated, however, that there were no injuries or fatalities.
The incident has been reported to security agencies and emergency services for a comprehensive investigation.
He expressed the Commission’s appreciation for the prompt response of the Nigeria Police Force and the Delta State Fire Service.
Olumekun further noted that Ika North East is one of the 25 LGA offices in Delta State, with 14 Registration Areas (Wards), 238 Polling Units, and 131,747 registered voters.
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