Staff members 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 due to escalating kidnappings and bandit attacks.
Security sources revealed that operatives in the intelligence community advised INEC personnel to stay away from the volatile areas, warning they could be targeted as “soft victims” by marauding bandits.
The Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which began in August, has been severely disrupted, with many locals expressing frustration over the suspension of services and questioning government promises of security.
Residents are fleeing their homes as bandit attacks and kidnappings intensify, deepening fears that insecurity could cripple civic participation ahead of future elections.
A community leader lamented that insecurity is depriving people of their democratic rights, saying, “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?”
Meanwhile, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has faced criticism for traveling abroad amid the crisis, with residents accusing him of ignoring the gravity of the situation.
The INEC chairman reportedly stated there would be no funds to pay ransom in the event of abductions, further heightening staff concerns about their safety.
