In the early hours of Friday, December 1, 2023, the residence of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Lokoja, Kogi State, faced an attack by unidentified gunmen, as reported by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The assault, occurring at 3:30 am, prompted a 30-minute gun battle between the armed assailants and security personnel, leading to property damage. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the skirmish.
INEC swiftly deployed a team of combined security forces to safeguard the commissioner's residence. The incident follows a previous mob siege on the state office the day before.
As a response, INEC has called for a comprehensive investigation into the attack and heightened security measures to protect its personnel and assets in Kogi State. The unsettling events underscore the challenges faced by electoral institutions in maintaining security during crucial periods, emphasizing the need for enhanced protective measures.
