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The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has confirmed a fire incident at its office in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.
In a post on its official X handle on Tuesday, the Commission stated that about 706 ballot boxes, 50 election bags, 322 apron vests and other items were destroyed.
According to the post, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Delta State, Mr. Etekamba Udo Umoren, confirmed the incident in a report.
Read Also: Inferno Sweeps Through Kwara Market, Damages Properties
The report explained that the incident occurred on Monday afternoon as a result of a sudden power surge following the restoration of public power supply.
“The store’s section where petrol generators and other items were kept was completely razed.
“Items destroyed in the inferno include 706 ballot boxes, 50 election bags, 322 apron vests, three electric power generators, 140 stamps, 50 ballot box seals and assorted items such as envelopes, posters, forms and booklets.
“Fortunately, there were no injuries or fatalities. The incident has been reported to the security agencies and emergency services for a thorough investigation.
“The Commission appreciates the cooperation of the Nigeria Police Force and the Delta State Fire Service for their response,” INEC stated.
In other news, a devastating fire tore through a building materials market in the Ita Amodu area of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Tuesday, reducing goods worth millions of naira to ashes. Among the losses were a truck fully loaded with mattresses, multiple buildings, and shops, leaving traders reeling from the destruction.
The fire, which reportedly ignited around 10 am at Ile Bilewu, Alabi-Owo Junction in Ita Amodu, was triggered by a collision between a truck and a high-tension power line. According to the Kwara State Fire Service, the resulting blaze rapidly engulfed a building containing 47 rooms and 19 shops, leaving significant damage in its wake.
In a statement addressing the incident, Hassan Adekunle, who serves as the Principal Fire Officer and the Head of Media and Publicity for the Kwara State Fire Service, provided confirmation of the tragic event.
The Fire Service explained that the fire’s rapid escalation was largely due to the flammability of the mattresses. Matters worsened when a nearby step-down transformer erupted in an explosion, intensifying the flames and spreading destruction to neighboring structures.
