The Independent National Electoral Commission has reported the abduction of one of its officials in the Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Wilfred Ifogah, the head of INEC voters’ registration in the state, confirmed the incident on Friday.

Ifogah stated, “We wish to confirm that a boat carrying election personnel to registration area 17 (Koluama) in Southern Ijaw LGA capsized.”

He added that, fortunately, no lives were lost, and all the 12 election personnel and the boat operator were rescued.

However, the incident resulted in the loss of result sheets, power banks, and luggage containing personal effects on the staff.

The affected registration area, Koluama-17, has 5,368 registered voters, with 5,311 Permanent Voter Cards collected.

Despite the setback caused by the boat mishap, INEC assured that efforts are underway to ensure the conduct of the election in the affected area.

“INEC is making efforts to ensure the conduct of election in the affected area.”

“INEC also reports that its SPO assigned to registration area 06 (Ossioma) in Sagbama LGA was abducted while waiting to board at Amassoma jetty. The security agencies have been notified,” Ifogah said.