BREAKING: Card readers destroyed as fire guts INEC headquarters in Ondo

The office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Akure, Ondo state, is on fire.

It was gathered that the fire, which started at about 8pm on Thursday, razed down a container laden with smart card readers.

Card readers meant for the October 10 governorship election were reportedly destroyed in the outbreak.

 

It is not immediately clear what led to the fire incident.

The Chief Press Secretary to INEC chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, confirmed the incident in a short statement titled ‘Fire at INEC office in Akure’.

 

He noted that the commission would commence an immediate investigation into the cause of the fire.

He said, “Fire broke out today (Thursday) September 10, 2020, at the Ondo State Head Office of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Akure.

 

“The inferno, which gutted the container housing Smart Card Readers, started at 7.30 pm. Men of the Fire Service are however currently containing the fire.

 

“INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, who is in Ondo State in connection with preparations for the Ondo State Governorship election scheduled for October 10, 2020, rushed to the office about 8 pm.

 

“The Administrative Secretary of the State, Mr. Popoola, and some staff of the commission are also there.

 

“Okoye said an investigation into the cause of the fire will commence promptly after the fire has been contained.”