Elections for the state house of assembly that were set to take place in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State have been cancelled, according to INEC.

The strategy was adopted in response to the kidnapping of 17 ad hoc employees earlier today, March 18, 2023. This regrettable incident prompted major concerns regarding the safety of electoral officers and the integrity of the election process.

The INEC personnel was reportedly overwhelmed by gunmen who forced them into vehicles before swerving away, according to an anonymous source within the commission.

However, INEC spokesman Chinenye Chijioke-Osuji stated that the kidnapped employees were rescued in response to a distress call, with operatives acting right away after learning of the event.

Despite successfully rescuing the individuals, Chijioke-Osuji also noted that the election materials, including BVAS and sensitive materials, were not retrieved.

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