The worsening wave of bandit attacks and kidnappings in Kwara State has forced staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Patigi and Edu Local Government Areas to abandon their duty posts, locking up offices and suspending voter registration activities.

According to SaharaReporters, security operatives told the publication that intelligence operatives had warned electoral officers to stay away from volatile areas, fearing they could become “soft targets” for marauding gunmen.

Residents confirmed that INEC offices in both LGAs remain shut for most of the week, frustrating the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which began in August.

“The INEC staff are scared. They don’t want to risk being kidnapped or attacked,” one source disclosed, adding that Lade town in Patigi has already been deserted following repeated raids by armed groups.

Another source warned that the abduction of INEC personnel could not only cause a national embarrassment but also pile pressure on the Tinubu administration.

An INEC official, who asked not to be named, said staff were advised to seek clearance from security agencies before showing up at duty posts.

“There is no assurance of our safety. The INEC chairman has said there is no money to pay ransom if anyone is kidnapped,” the official said.

According to him, even local communities have advised INEC workers to stay away to avoid being targeted by bandits and their informants.

Communities Living in Fear

Residents of Patigi and Edu LGAs say insecurity is robbing them of their democratic rights. Many who want to register ahead of the 2027 general elections are now stranded.

A community leader in Patigi, who declined to be named for safety reasons, lamented: “People are eager to register to vote and bring in a government that can guarantee their safety. But how can you risk going out to register when you’re not sure you’ll return home alive? The fear is real.”

He accused Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of ignoring the crisis.

“The governor is junketing around the world while Kwara is burning. Right now, we hear he is in the United States on vacation, and he has refused to hand over to his deputy. Everyone here is left to their fate,” he said.

INEC Denies Full Abandonment

However, when contacted, Kwara’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Hale Gabriel Longpet, dismissed claims that INEC staff had abandoned their posts.

He admitted that there were initial security concerns on August 25, the first day of registration, but said security agencies had since deployed personnel to protect INEC offices.

“We receive reports every day of registration taking place in Edu and Patigi. The turnout might be slow, but when there is an atmosphere of insecurity, people naturally avoid gathering in large numbers,” Longpet told reporters.

He insisted that voter registration is taking place at INEC’s local government headquarters within townships, not in remote communities.

“Yes, people are cautious, but our staff are still on ground. I would prefer that you get eyewitness accounts rather than rely on speculation and hearsay,” the REC added.

Naijaonpoint reports that despite the assurances, fear remains widespread in Kwara North. Residents worry that without urgent security measures, thousands of eligible voters could be disenfranchised in 2027.

For now, the CVR exercise continues, but participation is shrinking as insecurity drives people away from registration centres.