Bayelsa Gov Election Update: Election Official Kidnapped, Materials Submerge As Boat Capsize

By Ayodele Oni

Early report from Bayelsa State on the Governorship Election say that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Supervising Presiding Officer (SPO) is missing.

The SPO assigned to registration area 06 in Ossioma, Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, was reportedly  kidnapped.

It was gathered that  that the INEC official was abducted at Amassoma Community in Southern Ijaw LGA while waiting to board a boat at a jetty in the area.

Also, a boat carrying election personnel to registration area 17 in Koluama Community, Southern Ijaw local government area capsized and election materials, including result sheets, got lost.

INEC Head of Department, Voters Education and Publicity in Bayelsa State, Wilfred Ifogah, who confirmed the two incidents, said no life was lost. He added that 12 personnel and boat operators were rescued.

He said: “We wish to confirm that a boat carrying personnel to registration area 17 (Koluama) in Southern Ijaw LGA capsized, fortunately, no life was lost as all the election personnel numbering 12 and the boat operator were rescued.”