A fire outbreak at the Ondo State Office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday, destroying Smart Card Readers and some electoral materials.
The cause of the inferno was unknown as of the time of filing this report. the incident is coming barely a month ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
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Already, security agencies have cordoned off the premises of the commission as the Chief Press Secretary to INEC chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi confirmed the incident in a short statement titled ‘Fire at INEC office in Akure’.
He noted that the commission would commence an immediate investigation into the cause of the fire.
“Fire broke out today (Thursday) September 10, 2020, at the Ondo State Head Office of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Akure.
“The inferno, which gutted the container housing Smart Card Readers, started at 7.30 pm. Men of the Fire Service are however currently containing the fire.
“INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, who is in Ondo State in connection with preparations for the Ondo State Governorship election scheduled for October 10, 2020, rushed to the office about 8 pm.
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“The Administrative Secretary of the State, Mr. Popoola, and some staff of the commission are also there.
“Okoye said an investigation into the cause of the fire will commence promptly after the fire has been contained.”
