Thugs snatched eight BVAS in Katsina, Delta: INEC
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says thugs snatched eight of its Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in Delta and Katsina States in the ongoing presidential and National Assembly elections.
INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the ongoing general elections on Saturday in Abuja.
He, however, said the snatched BVAS were immediately replaced for the election to continue, while security agencies later recovered three.
Mr Yakubu said in the Oshimili Local Government Area of Delta, thugs attacked polling units, during which two BVAS machines were lost.
“Again, determined that the election must continue, we were able to replace the stolen machines, restore security, and voting continued in that location.
“Similarly, in the Safana LG area of Katsina state, thugs attacked one voting location and snatched six of our BVAS machines,” Mr Yakubu said.
The INEC boss said the commission could not deploy early in the Alawa and Shiroro local government areas due to bandits’ attack.
“For instance, we couldn’t deploy early in Alawa in Shiroro LGA of Niger State because bandits launched an attack, not necessarily on INEC officials, within the area.
“So, on the advice of security agencies, we tarried awhile, and I’m happy to say that we are able to deploy and voting in that location is ongoing as we speak.“
On the functionality of BVAS, the INEC chairman said that the device has been performing optimally.
He linked the inability to commence the election at 8:30 a:m. in some polling units to perennial problems of logistics and insecurity.
Mr Yakubu, however, assured Nigerians that no voter would be disenfranchised because of that.
He said there were also unfolding situations in Abia and Imo states.
“The commission is aware, and we are assuring voters in Abia that no matter how late we deploy to the polling units, if voters are on the queue before 2:30 p.m., they will vote no matter how long it takes.
“We are also aware of the situation in Imo, in respect of four LGAs — Okigwe, Oguta, Osu, and Olu.
“There were issues in all 11 wards in the whole of Osu. In the whole of Orlu, six wards out of 11. In the case of Okigwe, five wards out of 11. In the case of Oguta, it is more widespread,” Mr Yakubu added.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Lagos
Court remands man for defiling 12-year-old girl
Mr Adeosun said Mr Afeez sexually penetrated the vagina of the 12-year-old girl with his fingers.
States
Osun government urges residents to be on lookout for water pipe vandals
The water corporation’s general manager appealed to the state residents to be vigilant and monitor the activities of scavengers in their areas.
NationWide
Saudi donates 50 tonnes of dates to Nigerian government
Mr Alghamdi said the humanitarian donation reflected the decades-long brotherly bond between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
World
Iran, China agree on closer military cooperation
China has become the main customer of Iranian oil and a significant economic partner.
States
Lagos seals three churches, five hotels for noise pollution, other environmental breaches
According to the statement, LASCOPA shut down the establishments for alleged noise pollution and violation of other environmental laws.
World
Xi Jinping meets Blinken amid China-U.S. frosty ties
President Xi Jinping of China met with the U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken meet on Friday.