In a shocking ambush on October 21, 2025, armed assailants kidnapped a group of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) staff along Aloma Road in Kogi State.
The victims, all women, were traveling from Abuja to Anambra State for an official assignment tied to the upcoming governorship election.
The attack, executed with chilling precision, has raised alarms about the safety of electoral workers as Nigeria gears up for a critical vote.
The gunmen blocked the highway, unleashed a hail of bullets, and shattered the vehicle’s windscreen. Miraculously, no one was struck by gunfire, but the terror of the moment lingers, casting a shadow over the election process.
Election Preparations Disrupted
The INEC team was en route to Anambra to oversee the printing of voter registers and other materials for the governorship poll, set for early November 2025.
Their mission was crucial to ensuring a smooth and fair election, a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democracy.
But the assailants, undeterred, abducted everyone in the vehicle, including the driver and his wife, leaving authorities scrambling for answers.
The attack underscores the risks faced by electoral workers in Nigeria, where violence often threatens the democratic process. With the election nearing, this incident has sparked urgent calls for action.
A Silent Response
Efforts to reach the Kogi State Police for comment have been fruitless, leaving the public in the dark about official responses.
The lack of immediate police statements has fueled concerns about security gaps, especially in areas prone to such attacks.
Investigations are presumably underway, but the absence of updates adds to the tension as communities await news of the victims.
The kidnapping has gripped local attention, with residents and officials anxious for the safe return of the INEC staff and clarity on the attackers’ motives.
A Push for Peace
Amid this violence, efforts to ensure a peaceful election continue. The National Peace Committee (NPC), linked to The Kukah Centre, recently announced plans to broker a peace accord among candidates from the 16 political parties contesting in Anambra.
Rev. Fr. Atta Barkindo, NPC’s Executive Director, spoke in Awka, emphasizing collaboration with local stakeholders to maintain calm.
“We’re here to strengthen the peace you’ve built,” Barkindo said, noting that the accord’s signing, led by NPC chairman Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, is slated for next week. The initiative aims to curb electoral violence, a persistent challenge in Nigeria’s polls.
A Broader Security Crisis
This kidnapping isn’t an isolated incident it’s a stark reminder of Nigeria’s security struggles. From banditry to insurgencies, the nation faces threats that disrupt daily life and critical processes like elections.
The INEC staff’s abduction highlights vulnerabilities in protecting those who uphold democracy, especially in volatile regions like Kogi.
As Anambra’s election looms, the attack raises questions about safeguarding electoral workers and materials.
The government and security forces face mounting pressure to act swiftly, ensuring such incidents don’t derail the democratic process.
A Nation on Edge
The abduction of INEC staff is a gut punch to Nigeria’s electoral hopes. With the Anambra governorship vote approaching, the nation needs assurance that its democratic institutions are secure.
The peace accord offers a glimmer of hope, but the safe return of the kidnapped workers is paramount. As investigations unfold, Nigeria stands united, demanding action to protect its democracy and those who serve it.
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