In a disturbing incident early today, on Friday, December 1, 2023, at approximately 3:30 am, unidentified gunmen launched a brazen attack on the residence of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Lokoja, Kogi State.
The armed assailants engaged in a fierce gun battle with the security personnel stationed at the residence, and the confrontation persisted for over 30 minutes until reinforcements arrived.
Fortunately, no lives were lost during the attack; however, significant property damage occurred as a result of the intense gunfire exchange. Swift action was taken, and a combined team of security personnel has been deployed to fortify the area and ensure the safety of the commissioner’s residence.
It is worth noting that this attack follows closely on the heels of an unsettling incident that transpired a day earlier, where a mob surrounded and besieged our state office in Kogi.
The Electoral Commission is urgently calling for a comprehensive investigation into these incidents and urges the authorities to implement enhanced security measures to safeguard the lives of our personnel and protect our valuable assets in Kogi State.
This alarming situation underscores the importance of prioritizing the security of electoral infrastructure and those responsible for upholding the democratic process. The Electoral Commission remains committed to conducting thorough and transparent elections and calls for the necessary measures to ensure the safety of all involved in the electoral process in Kogi State.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
