BREAKING: INEC Workers Shut Offices In Kwara Council Areas Over Rising Attacks, Kidnappings

The staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Patigi and Edu Local Government Areas of Kwara State have abandoned their duty posts and locked up their offices, citing the escalating wave of kidnappings and bandit attacks.

Top security sources told SaharaReporters that operatives in the intelligence community had advised INEC personnel to stay away from the volatile areas, warning that they could be targeted as “soft victims” by marauding bandits.

One of the sources disclosed that Lade town in Patigi LGA had been largely deserted due to repeated attacks by criminal groups.

“The INEC staff are scared. They don’t want to risk being kidnapped or attacked." 

Another senior source added that the abduction of INEC officials would not only cause a national embarrassment but also pile pressure on the Tinubu administration.

“The fear is that if INEC staff are kidnapped, it would not only be a monumental national embarrassment but would also put the Tinubu administration under intense pressure and scrutiny,” one of the sources said.

“The INEC staff are scared of being kidnapped or attacked. They were told to seek clearance from security agencies before going to their duty posts. Hence, if anything happens to them, they are on their own.”

Residents confirmed that INEC offices in both local government areas remain locked for most days of the week, frustrating the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise that commenced in August. 

Many locals say the suspension of services has further weakened confidence in government promises of security.

Another staff member revealed that the INEC chairman had bluntly stated there would be no funds to pay ransom in the event of abductions. 

“We can’t risk our lives in the name of national service. There is no assurance of our safety. If bandits could attack a community barely two hours after the governor visited the place, then who is safe?”

“The INEC chairman has said that he doesn’t have money to pay as ransom to any bandits,” one INEC official told SaharaReporters.

“The communities have told us not to come, and we should not reveal that they are the ones who warned us, because the bandits have informants, which the security agencies are aware of.”

Meanwhile, residents of Patigi and Edu are fleeing their homes as bandit attacks and kidnappings intensify, deepening fears that the insecurity could cripple civic participation ahead of future elections in Kwara State.

A community leader in Patigi, who did not want his name mentioned because of threats from the government and informants to the bandits, lamented that insecurity was depriving people of their democratic rights.

“People are eager to register to vote and bring in a government that can guarantee their safety. But how can you risk going out to register when you’re not sure you’ll return home alive? The fear is real,” he said.

While communities in Kwara North remain under siege, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has been traveling abroad, seemingly ignoring the gravity of the crisis at home.

“The governor is junketing around the world while Kwara is burning. Right now, we hear he is in the United States on vacation, and he has refused to hand over to his deputy. Everyone here is left to their fate,” a resident lamented.

Although the CVR exercise is scheduled to continue until further notice, without urgent security interventions, thousands of eligible voters in Edu and Patigi LGAs risk being disenfranchised.

However, the development has thrown residents into fear and frustration. Many who had hoped to register ahead of the 2027 elections are now stranded.

When SaharaReporters contacted the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Hale Gabriel Longpet, he said that on the first day, August 25, there were security concerns because many communities had inadequate security.

When asked to confirm whether it was true that officials of INEC in Patigi and Edu Local Government Areas of Kwara State had abandoned their duty posts and locked their offices due to escalating insecurity, he said: "No, I don’t think it’s true.

He said, "We receive reports every day of registration taking place in Edu and Patigi. Initially, on the first day, which was the 25th of August, there were security concerns because many communities had inadequate security. I contacted the Commissioner of Police, who then provided security, and the same support also came from the Civil Defence."

"Since then, we have been conducting our registration. The turnout might be slow, but you know, when there is an atmosphere of insecurity, fear, and intimidation, people do not come to the center in large numbers. There is also the fear of gathering at such offices, especially in communities where people have been kidnapped, and that makes it unreasonable.

"So, people are taking their time and only coming when they feel secure and safe.

When asked about staff being scared and absent from duty, he said, "But report from whom?" What you need to understand is that registration is supposed to take place at the INEC local government offices, not in the communities as you are suggesting. Yes, the offices are located at the headquarters of the local government, within the township, not in remote areas.

"I would prefer that you get an eyewitness account rather than relying on speculation and hearsay," the REC added.