The military bolstered security around the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lokoja on Wednesday in response to a siege by a mob.
The Commissioner of Police in Kogi, Bethrand Onuoha, called on the military to intervene after the mob laid siege to the INEC office.
Mr. Onuoha promptly alerted the Commander of the 12th Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Haruna Dasuki, to assist in securing the INEC office.
“I had no choice but to request the military’s support in securing the INEC office. The presence of troops was immensely beneficial. It is the duty of the police to safeguard all citizens and property, and we are committed to fulfilling that responsibility,” Mr. Onuoha reassured.
INEC had earlier reported to the police that its office was under siege. The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Gabriel Longpet, confirmed in Lokoja that the mob had barricaded all access points to the office and obstructed employees from carrying out their duties.
“The mob also prevented legal representatives of political parties that participated in the November 11 off-cycle governorship election in the state from inspecting documents and materials used in the exercise,” Dr. Longpet added.
He further stated, “The intervention of the Nigerian Army was necessary to calm the situation. The security agencies have assured us that they will maintain normalcy on our premises.”
Dr. Longpet assured all political parties and litigants that INEC would facilitate unimpeded access to all materials required to pursue their petitions regarding the election.
