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 elections.
Luckily 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.
John assured that the incident has not affected the voting process, stating, “voters were exercising their franchise as of press time.”
She added that the Police Command 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.
At Unit 001, Ward 14 in Uyo Local Government Area, as of 10:02 am, there were no election materials or AKISIEC and security officials present.
A similar situation occurred at Unit 2, Ward 11 in Itu Local Government Area, where materials and security officials were also absent.
The local government election, despite the challenges, proceeded with efforts to secure polling stations and ensure the safety of voters.