The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, office in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state has been gutted by fire, a day to the Governorship and State Assembly elections.
The cause of the fire remains unknown for now.
A security guard who was on duty at the INEC office told Premium Times the fire started around 2 a.m. on Friday.
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“We heard an explosion inside the building, when we rushed to check what it was, we saw flames of fire coming from one of the rooms,” the guard said.
“We raised alarm for help, and then we started fighting the fire, using water and sand. But it was too much for us.”
It is unclear how the incident would affect the conduct of the elections.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Mike Igini, is said to have visited the scene to ascertain the extent of the damage.
A handful of police officers were seen barricading the road leading to the INEC office as at 9 a.m on Friday.
