Residence of INEC’s REC attacked by gunmen three weeks after conducting Kogi election

Armed men on Friday morning attacked the official residence of the Kogi Resident Electoral Commission, Hale Gabriel Longpet, in Lokoja.

 

 

Kogi is one of the three States that recently concluded off cycle governorship elections with the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Usman Ododo declared winner.

 

Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekunmi said in a statement that the gunmen arrived the residence around 3.30 am and engaged security men in the residence in a gun battle.

 

Although no life was lost, the statement said several property were destroyed and called for thorough investigation into the incident.

 

 

The incidence is coming two days after a mob barricaded the INEC office in Lokoja, preventing staff from gaining access into the premises

 

The statement reads: “In the early hours of today, Friday 1st December 2023, around 3.30am, gunmen attacked the residence of our Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Lokoja, Kogi State.

 

“The armed men engaged the security personnel in a gun battle for over 30 minutes until reinforcement arrived.

 

“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”.