…Cart away ballot boxes before rescue operation

A violent attack disrupted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) primary election in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State after armed men invaded the venue, abducted an  Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) official, and carted away electoral materials before a swift security operation led to his rescue.

The incident reportedly occurred around 11:15pm on May 22 at Wummy Hotel in Ekori community, where the party’s primary election was taking place under tight but overwhelmed security conditions.

Security sources, as cited by counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, said two separate groups of armed attackers coordinated the assault on the venue.

One group allegedly stormed the hotel premises, seized the INEC returning officer, and forced him into a waiting vehicle.

The attackers reportedly compelled the official to transfer N70,000 before fleeing with him. In the same operation, another set of assailants operating on motorcycles reportedly invaded the venue and made away with ballot boxes and other sensitive electoral materials.

The coordinated attack threw the election into disarray, forcing participants to flee for safety as the process was abruptly halted.

Following distress alerts and intelligence reports, security forces launched a rapid response operation in the area. Troops reportedly laid an ambush along suspected escape routes and intercepted a vehicle conveying the abducted INEC official.

The official was successfully rescued during the operation, while three suspects were arrested at the scene. One armed suspect, however, managed to escape into a nearby bush with a pistol, mobile phone, ATM card, and other personal items believed to be linked to the operation.

Recovered items, including the operational vehicle and the rescued electoral officer, were taken into military custody for further interrogation and investigation.

Security agencies have since intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspect and recover the stolen ballot boxes and other electoral materials.

Investigations into the full circumstances surrounding the attack are ongoing, with authorities yet to confirm the identity or motive of the armed groups involved.