Election: Gunmen Abduct 18 Corps Members in Akwa Ibom
No fewer than 18 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) were abducted weekend at Akwa Ibom.
The corps members were engaged by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the Saturday presidential and national assembly election.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Mike Igini, told newsmen that 10 of the corps members were abducted at Abak Local Government Area (LGA), while eight others were abducted at Itu and Ikono LGAs.
But he said the corps members have been rescued by security operatives.
But he said two corps members who were invited by the Police Headquarters in the state were yet to be set free.
Igini also disclosed that a lecturer with the University of Uyo, . Kufre Etu, was attacked by gunmen at Uran LGA.
He said in a statement, “In places where there are issues of ballot boxes snatching, there will be no result from those areas. No result can emanate from any polling unit with issues of stuffing of ballots and snatching.”
“In view of all negative reports of violence, fraudulent and forceful results, abductions of poll staff, ballot box snatching among others, due and diligent attention must be given to the filling of Form 40G series.
“This means that constantly, EOs must insist on taking all field reports made and captured by the Commission Electoral Operations Support Centre (EOSC) of snatched results sheets and ballot.
“Study all necessary 40Gs and be mindful not to issue forms EC 8D (1), EC 8E (1), EC 8D (II), and EC 8E (II) without taking into reports of all 40Gs.
“No results can emanate from polling units, wards and LGAs where there had been previous reports of serious violent attacks of poll officials many of whom are still being rescued particularly corps members and snatching of results and ballot papers taken to unknown places.
“The integrity of the process leading to a declaration of results and return must go through due process and laid down procedure. There are severe consequences under the law for deviation, and so be guided.”
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