INEC office torched in Akwa Ibom

The INEC office in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has gone up in flames a day to the governorship and house of assembly elections in the state.

The cause of the fire remains unknown for now, but security guard who was on duty at the INEC said the fire started around 2 a.m. on Friday.

A section of the building still was still smoking as election materials, including card readers, appeared to have been  evacuated from the burnt building were scattered around the premises.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mike Igini, is said to have visited the scene to ascertain the extent of the damage.

Police have barricaded the road leading to the INEC office as at 9 a.m on Friday.

Even though the state governor, Udom Emmanuel, has assured the people of their safety and security during the elections, there is fear that there may be bloody clashes among supporters of the APC and PDP.

Emmanuel, contesting for a second term as governor, is battling Nsima Ekere of the APC as for the governorship seat.