Gunmen Attack Kogi REC’s Residence in Lokoja, INEC Calls for Thorough Investigation

Gunmen Attack Kogi REC’s Residence in Lokoja, INEC Calls for Thorough Investigation

In a recent development, unidentified gunmen launched an attack on the residence of Dr. Hale Longpet, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State. The incident was disclosed by Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.

According to Oyekanmi, the attack occurred around 3:30 am on Friday, with armed assailants engaging in a gun battle with security personnel stationed at the REC’s residence for over 30 minutes. Fortunately, Dr. Hale Longpet emerged unharmed, thanks to the efforts of the security personnel, who successfully held off the attackers until reinforcements arrived.

While there were no reported casualties, property damage ensued during the exchange of gunfire. Oyekanmi highlighted that a team of combined security personnel has been deployed to enhance protection for the REC’s residence. This incident follows a recent mob besieging of the INEC state office in Lokoja, where protesters in Social Democratic Party (SDP) shirts alleged collusion between the commission and the state government to manipulate election materials.

Protesters, including one identifying as Danjuma, expressed concerns that election materials at the INEC office had been compromised by the All Progressives Congress (APC). They called on INEC to present the original materials or face the threat of making Kogi State ungovernable. Oyekanmi concluded the statement by urging for a thorough investigation into the attack on the REC’s residence and emphasized the need for heightened security protection for INEC personnel and assets in Kogi State.