INEC Confirms Security of Election Materials in Oredo Despite Hoodlum Attack

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured that its election materials at the Oredo Local Government office in Edo State are safe, despite an attempted hijacking by hoodlums.

The incident reportedly occurred shortly after the materials were delivered from the Central Bank in Benin City on Thursday, raising concerns about potential disruption ahead of the upcoming elections.

According to Premium Times, distribution of the materials to all 18 local governments began around noon. Following the delivery to Oredo, thugs allegedly attacked the office, prompting fears about the security of the supplies.

On Friday, during a visit by this newspaper and YIAGA Africa, security personnel were observed blocking one lane of the highway outside the building, with police roadblocks restricting access to electoral vehicles, leading to heavy traffic along Ekewuan Road.

The assistant electoral officer for Oredo, N.S. Osakue, confirmed the integrity of the materials, stating, “People came, they were on their own, and we are on our own. Our materials are intact.” She declined to comment further and directed media inquiries to INEC’s Public Affairs Department.