No fewer than 18 members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members who served as ad-hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, during Saturday election were abducted in Akwa Ibom State.
While 10 of them were abducted at Abak local government area, four were abducted at Itu local government area and four at Ikono local government area.
Two corps members were invited to the state Police Command headquarters in the state but were later released.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Mr. Mike Igini, who made the disclosure while speaking with journalists on Sunday said some of the abducted corps members had however been rescued by security agencies.
Igini also revealed that a lecturer at the University of Uyo, Mr. Kufre Etuk, narrowly escaped death at Uran local government area.
He was said to have been terribly battered with his head broken.
He passed the night in the bush before finding his way out after escaping from the hoodlums who attacked him.
Igini disclosed that security had to be strengthened at the federal collation centre in Ukanafun local government area to prevent the threat of attack on INEC officials.
Materials for 10 out of 11 wards at Ikono local government area were smashed and destroyed by political thugs, Igini added.
He stated that there would be no result from the areas where there were cases of snatching of ballot boxes.
In a statement he sent to all Electoral Officers, Eos, Igini said: “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.”
