Bayelsa Boat Mishap: INEC SPO abducted, 12 escape death

Unknown individuals have kidnapped a Supervisory Presiding Officer (SPO) designated for this Saturday's Bayelsa State gubernatorial election.

Additionally, the boat carrying twelve election workers to Koluama on the Atlantic edge of Southern Jaw LGA capsized, narrowly sparing them from death.

Nevertheless, the INEC employees' personal belongings, power banks, and result sheets were misplaced.

This was confirmed in a statement released late on Friday night by Mr. Wifred Ifogah, the INEC's Head of Voter Education and Publicity for Bayelsa State.

The statement reads, “The Independent National Electoral Commission, Bayelsa State Office commenced the movement of Personnel and electoral materials to the Registration Area Centers (RACs) on Friday 10th November, 2023.

“However we wish to confirm that a boat carrying election personnel to Registration

Area-17 (Koluama) in Southem ljaw LGA capsized.

“Fortunately no life was lost as all the election personnel numbering 12 and the boat operator were rescued. We however lost our result sheets, power banks and luggage containing personal effects of staff.

“The total number of registered voters in the affected Registration Areas is 5368 and the number of PVCs collected is 5311.

“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 a boat at Amassoma Jetty. The security agencies have been notified.”

Source