Gunmen Abduct INEC Official During ADC Primary In Cross River
An official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was abducted after gunmen reportedly disrupted an African Democratic Congress (ADC) primary election in Yakurr LGA of Cross River state.
Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, reported that security sources said the incident occurred around 11:15pm on May 22 at Wummy Hotel in Ekori community, where the party primary election held.
According to the report, two groups of suspected kidnappers stormed the venue during the exercise.
One of the groups reportedly abducted the INEC returning officer, forced him into a vehicle, and compelled him to transfer N70,000 before fleeing the scene.
The publication added that another group, operating on a motorcycle, carted away ballot boxes from the venue.
Following intelligence reports on the incident, troops deployed in Yakurr LGA reportedly laid an ambush for the fleeing suspects and intercepted the vehicle conveying the abducted official.
The INEC official was rescued during the operation, while three suspects were arrested.
Security sources said one armed suspect escaped into a nearby bush with a pistol, mobile phone, ATM card, travelling bag, and other election materials.
The rescued INEC official, the arrested suspects, and the recovered vehicle are currently in military custody for further investigation.
Security operatives have intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspect and recover the stolen electoral materials.
