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Fire Destroys INEC Office in Sokoto, Electoral Materials Lost
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that a fire outbreak at its office in Gwadabawa Local Government Area of Sokoto State led to the destruction of essential electoral materials.
In a statement released on Friday, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Sam Olumekun, disclosed that the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
According to the commission, the Administrative Secretary for the Sokoto State office, Mrs. Hauwa Aliyu Kangiwa, reported the fire, which severely damaged the building and destroyed:
- 558 ballot boxes
- 186 voting cubicles
- 186 election bags
- Other electoral materials, including 12 large water tanks, 400 sleeping mats, and 300 plastic buckets
Preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by a sudden power surge, though security and safety agencies are still investigating the exact cause. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were recorded.
INEC assured the public that steps were being taken to secure an alternative temporary office in the area to prevent disruptions to its operations.
