LOKOJA, KOGI STATE – In the early hours of Friday, December 1, 2023, unidentified gunmen launched a brazen assault on the residence of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Lokoja, Kogi State, escalating concerns about the safety of electoral officials in the region.
The armed assailants initiated the attack at approximately 3:30 am, engaging in a fierce gun battle with security personnel stationed at the residence. The exchange of gunfire persisted for over 30 minutes until reinforcements from law enforcement agencies arrived at the scene.
Fortunately, no lives were lost during the confrontation, but significant damage was inflicted on property during the intense firefight. In response to the incident, a collaborative force of security personnel has been swiftly deployed to fortify the REC’s residence and ensure the safety of electoral officials in the region.
This disturbing event unfolded merely a day after a mob besieged the state office, indicating a growing threat to electoral infrastructure and personnel in Kogi State. Authorities are urging a thorough investigation into these incidents and are calling for heightened security measures to safeguard electoral personnel and assets in the state.
As the situation unfolds, concerns are mounting over the implications of such attacks on the integrity of electoral processes, prompting a collective call for urgent action to protect the democratic framework in Kogi State.
