By Jane Okafor, Abuja
Armed men on Friday morning invaded the official residence of the Kogi Resident Electoral Commission, Hale Gabriel Longpet, in Lokoja.
Kogi is one of the three States that recently concluded off – cycle governorship elections with the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Usman Ododo declared winner.
Two other States where the off – season polls took place are Bayelsa and Imo States respectively.
Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekunmi said in a statement that the gunmen arrived the residence around 3.30 am and engaged security men guarding the place in a gun battle.
No life was lost, but several property were destroyed by the invaders, according to the statement.
H called for thorough investigation into the incident.
This is coming two days after a mob barricaded the INEC office in Lokoja, preventing staff from gaining access into the premises
The statement reads: “In the early hours of today, Friday 1st December 2023, around 3.30am, gunmen attacked the residence of our Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Lokoja, Kogi State.
“The armed men engaged the security personnel in a gun battle for over 30 minutes until reinforcement arrived.
“While no lives were lost, property was destroyed in the ensuing gun battle. A team of combined security personnel have been deployed to protect the residence.This incident occurred a day after a mob besieged our state office.
“We call for a thorough investigation and enhanced security protection for our personnel and assets in Kogi State”.
