Some yet-to-be-identified gunmen have attacked the residence of Prof. Hale Gabriel Longpet, the Kogi state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lokoja.
Although no life was lost, the attack which took place in the early hours of Friday, December 1st, left some properties destroyed.
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In a statement issued by Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman Yakubu Mahmood, said the gunmen engaged the security personnel in a gun battle for more than 30 minutes.
However, Oyekanmi said the arrival of a reinforcement by the security operatives stopped the duel.
“While no lives were lost, property was destroyed in the ensuing gun battle. A team of combined security personnel have been deployed to protect the residence. This incident occurred a day after a mob besieged our state office.
“We call for a thorough investigation and enhanced security protection for our personnel and assets in Kogi State”, he added.
The Friday attack on INEC came after the electoral umpire’s office was besieged by a mob, preventing lawyers of political parties involved in the November 11 off-cycle election from inspecting the materials used in the election.
Although, INEC declared the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress Usman Ododo, the winner of the election, the Nigeria’s Civil Society Organisation’s Situation Room said INEC’s performance “was a setback for Nigeria’s democracy”.
According to the Situation Room, result falsifications and logistical challenges marred the credibility of the election.
