INEC Office, Access, First Bank Buildings Razed As Violent Protest Erupts In Benue

By Onota Oghenevwede

An orgy of violence has enveloped Benue State as irate youths attacked and burnt several government properties including a local government office of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state.

Several banks including Access, First banks were torched by mobs from Zaki Biam axis of the state.

The youths were reportedly protesting incessant bandits attack and killings in the state.

INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Professor Sam Egwu, who confirmed the attack, said that one of its local government office in Sankara, headquarters of Ukum Local Government Area, was attacked and burnt down.

According to him, in a statement signed by Sam Olumekun ,National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, the incident occurred at 2pm yesterday, Wednesday 3rd July 2024.

He said that youths in the area were reportedly protesting against the activities of bandits but attacked facilities of government agencies, including INEC.

The statement said that although no casualties were reported, the building has been extensively damaged.

Office furniture and other movable and immovable materials, including 10 electric generators, 300 ballot boxes and 270 voting cubicles, were destroyed in the attack, he disclosed.

He, however called on security agencies to keep up more security and deployed more personnel to the area.

Meanwhile, an eyewitness disclosed that the mobs clashed with soldiers deployed to quell the upheaval.

The source believed to be a traveller on the route, disclosed that they spent over 2 hours on the road before they were accompanied by over 8 trucks filled with military personnel.

According to the source, “The boys destroyed several government properties. Access bank, first banks, and schools were destroyed.

“The road safety’s office and their car was burnt down.

“Benue link transport company’s car burnt down and other local government office were burnt down.

“We saw over 20 dead bodies littered around when we were been escorted out of zaki biam.

“Over 50 cars are currently stranded at Wukari filling station where passengers pack to eat.

“If not for the intervention of the military men and other joint task force we were stuck for two good hours in a place”, the source further disclosed in WhatsApp message.