The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that one of its election officials was kidnapped in Sagbama Local Government Area (LGA) of Bayelsa on Friday.
The commission also said that a boat carrying election materials and 12 election officials sank in Southern Ijaw LGA.
According to a statement issued by Wilfred Ifogah, INEC spokesperson in Bayelsa, the kidnapped official was assigned to registration area-06 (Ossioma) in Sagbama LGA and was waiting to board a boat at Ammasoma jetty when he was abducted. The security agencies have been notified and are working to rescue him.
The statement also said that the boat that capsized had materials for registration area 17 in Koluama, Southern Ijaw LGA. The 12 officials, including the boat operator, were rescued by local fishermen and security personnel.
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However, the commission lost its result sheets, power banks and luggage containing personal effects of staff.
The statement added that the total number of registered voters in the affected registration area is 5368 and the number of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) collected is 5311.
INEC said it is making efforts to ensure the conduct of elections in the affected area.
The commission appealed to the public to remain calm and peaceful as it works to deliver credible and transparent elections in Bayelsa.