Wednesday, July 3, did not only spell doom for the people of Borikyo in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, but also for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Sankara, the headquarters of Ukum LGA.
As you read this report, photos from the office, which was set ablaze by protesting youths have emerged.
See photos from the scene below:
The protest kicked off in Borikyo when angry residents stormed the streets to air their displeasure over a recent attack by gunmen in the area.
However, the protesters found their way to the INEC office.
That tragic attack left several people dead and many others injured.
The Attack
According to reports, the attackers invaded the community on Wednesday afternoon, killing residents indiscriminately and burning the local government secretariat.
The National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, confirmed the incident in a statement released late Wednesday.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner for the state, Prof. Sam Egwu, also confirmed the attack.
To him, the attack took place at 2 pm during a protest against the activities of bandits in the region.
The demonstration turned violent, resulting in the destruction of various government facilities.
Sadly, the INEC office was not spared.
Extensive Damage
Although no casualties were reported, the damage to the building was extensive.
The statement mentioned that numerous items were destroyed.
Also Read: PHOTOS: Tragedy In Benue Community As Gunmen Goes On Killing Spree
The items include, furniture, 10 electric generators, 300 ballot boxes, and 270 voting cubicles.
Olumekun stated that security agencies have been informed.
They have dispatched personnel to the area to restore order and investigate the incident.
The statement read: “The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Benue State, Professor Sam Egwu, has reported that our Local Government Area office in Sankara, headquarters of Ukum Local Government Area, has been attacked and burnt down.
Protest Against Bandits
“The incident occurred at 2 p.m. today, Wednesday, 3rd July 2024.
It started when the youths in the area were said to be protesting against the activities of bandits who attacked facilities of government agencies, including INEC.”
“Although no casualties were reported, the building has been extensively damaged.
Office furniture and other movable and immovable materials, including 10 electric generators, 300 ballot boxes, and 270 voting cubicles, were destroyed in the attack.”
