Ondo 2020: Card readers damaged as fire guts INEC office in Akure

Fire has reportedly gutted the state headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

This is coming a month to the state governorship election expected to hold on the 10th of next month.

A statement from the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, confirmed the incident.

He said the inferno which occurred in the evening destroyed smart card readers meant to be used in the next month exercise.

“Fire broke out today (Thursday) September 10, 2020, at the Ondo State Head Office of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Akure,” Punch Newspapers quoted Mr Oyekanmi as saying.

“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,” he added.