The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Akwa Ibom State, Barr. Mike Igini, has reported that INEC office in Essien Udim Local Government Area in Akwa In the State has been set ablaze. 

The incident according to a statement from the National Commissioner in charge of media, Festus Okoye, occurred in the early hours of Sunday, May 2, 2021. 

Okoye said INEC security guard on duty escaped unhurt but the destruction to the building and properties therein was extensive. He said items destroyed include 345 ballot boxes, 135 voting cubicles, megaphones, water tanks and office furniture.

Okoye said the police, which has also been battling with attacks on its facilities and personnel in the area, is aware of the incident and has commenced an investigation.

He recalled that on the eve of the 2019 General Election, the newly constructed prototype LGA office in Ibesikpo Asutan was burnt down while two more offices in Mkpat Enin and Eastern Obolo LGAs were bombed.

He said the recent attack on their facility after they have concluded the inventory of electoral materials nationwide in readiness for the 2023 General Election is worrisome adding that if unchecked, the attacks may constitute a setback on the Commission's preparations, including the ongoing conversion of Voting Points to Polling Units,  the forthcoming Continuous Registration of Voters (CVR) exercise and the conduct of polls. 

He assured Nigerians that the commission will leave no stone unturned to recover from the incident in Akwa Ibom State as it continues to prepare for all electoral activities.