The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Bayelsa has announced the release of its officials who were abducted at the Brass Local Government Area (LGA) Collation Centre. The officials were abducted on Saturday, affecting the credibility of the electoral process for the November 11 Governorship Election in Bayelsa.
Head of Voter Education and Publicity at INEC State Office in Bayelsa, Wilfred Ifogah, confirmed the freedom of the officials on Monday. Although he did not provide details about the number of officials or the circumstances of their release, the state Police Command spokesman, CSP Asinim Butswat, also verified the report to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to Mr. Butswat, sustained pressure from the police led to the unconditional release of the officials. He also mentioned that results for Brass were brought to Yenagoa and delivered to the State Collation Centre on Sunday.
It was also reported that various arrests had been made in connection with electoral offences, with the specific figures still being compiled. INEC had earlier confirmed the release of its Supervisory Presiding Officer in Sagbama LGA, who was abducted on Friday, November 10.
