A fire outbreak has reportedly destroyed 706 ballot boxes and other election materials at its Ika North-East Local Government Area office in Delta State, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, announced.

The Commission disclosed this incident in a statement issued on Tuesday by Mr. Sam Olumekun the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.

As stated by Olumekun, INEC received a preliminary report from the Resident Electoral Commissioner , REC, for Delta, Mr. Etekamba Umoren, which indicated that the fire broke out on Monday afternoon due to a “sudden power surge following the restoration of public power supply.” The blaze completely razed the store section of the office, where petrol generators and other essential items were stored.

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“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,” Olumekun said. “Fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities.”

Olumekun also confirmed that the incident has been reported to security agencies and emergency services for a full investigation. He thanked the Nigeria Police Force and the Delta State Fire Service for their prompt response.

“Ika North-East is one of our 25 LG offices in Delta State with 14 Registration Areas (Wards), 238 Polling Units, and 131,747 registered voters,” he added.

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