INEC Condemns Killing of Soldiers in Delta State, Plans Ahead for Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has strongly condemned the recent killing of soldiers on a peace mission in Okuama Community, Delta State, describing it as a heinous crime.

INEC expressed confidence that the ongoing investigation will lead to the swift arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.

INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, conveyed the commission’s condolences to the Army, armed forces, security agencies, families of the fallen soldiers, and members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) during a meeting held at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja.

Yakubu highlighted the commission’s engagement with stakeholders, including security agencies, in preparation for the upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states.

He disclosed that the Edo governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024, while the Ondo governorship election will hold on Saturday, November 16, 2024.

He emphasized the need for early security preparations, noting the differing terrains of the two states and the importance of replicating the success of the 2020 governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states, which were conducted without any security incidents.

Yakubu urged for proactive measures to ensure the success of the 2024 governorship elections, stressing the importance of early deployment of personnel and logistics to strategic locations.

He emphasized the need for transparent and efficient conduct of the elections, highlighting the critical role of security agencies in ensuring a secure environment for the electoral process.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued collaboration between INEC and security agencies to secure the electoral environment and ensure the successful conduct of the elections in Edo and Ondo states.