A devastating fire has razed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Gwadabawa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, leading to the loss of crucial electoral materials.
The incident, reportedly caused by a power surge from the public power supply, occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
INEC Confirms Damage, Investigation Underway
In a statement released after its weekly meeting on Thursday, February 13, 2025, INEC confirmed the destruction and expressed deep concern over the incident.
“At its regular weekly meeting, the Commission took note of the sad incident of a fire outbreak in our Gwadabawa Local Government Area office in Sokoto State, as reported by the Administrative Secretary, Mrs. Hauwa Aliyu Kangiwa,” the statement read.
Electoral Materials, Office Infrastructure Destroyed
The fire completely damaged the office building and destroyed vital electoral materials, including:
- 558 ballot boxes
- 186 voting enclosures (cubicles)
- 186 election bags
- Registration Area Centre (RAC) materials such as 12 large water tanks (1,000 litres), 400 sleeping mats, and 300 plastic buckets.
Security Agencies Investigate Cause of Fire
Preliminary reports suggest that a power surge triggered the fire, though security and safety agencies have launched a full investigation. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were recorded.
INEC assured the public that efforts are being made to secure an alternative temporary facility to prevent disruption of electoral activities in the area.
