By Alaba Abdulrazak
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu has confirmed the snatching of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines by hoodlums in Katsina and Delta states.
The INEC chairman while briefing journalists at the collation centre, Abuja on the ongoing general election said that thugs attacked polling units in Delta and Katsina states and made away with BVAS machines.
“In Oshimili, Delta state, thugs attacked a polling unit and two BVAS were lost in the process. But we were able to replace the stolen BVAS and restore security and voting continued. In Safana LGA of Katsina state, thugs attacked voting locations and snatched six BVAS machines. But we were able to use the spare BVAS machines and reinforce security for voting to continue.”
“The security agencies have recovered three BVAS machines but three are still held by the thugs. In these locations, the target of attacks were the BVAS machines. It is no longer the ballot boxes.”
Speaking further, Yakubu stated that another factor that is affecting the smooth conduct of the exercise is the perennial insecurity.
“We couldn’t deploy early enough in Alawa, Niger state because bandits launched an attack in the area. So we tarried for a while on the advice of security agents. But we are happy to say that we were able to deploy to other areas and voting is going on.
He added that reports from the process nationwide indicated that there have been some challenges.
According to him, the challenges include problems of logistics and insecurity.
He however said thay voting is going on nationwide and that BVAS deployed nationwide has been functioning optimally in most parts of the country.
“We are hearing less complaints about the functionality of the BVAS,” the INEC chairman said.