By Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt
Barely one week to the conclusion of the rerun elections in Rivers state, the Bori zonal office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been gutted by fire.
Although the cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed, the Police said no life was lost.
Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of INEC in Rivers State, Anthonia Nwobi, said, investigations were on to determine the cause of the incident.
In an SMS, she said, “I was in the office this morning when our Electoral Officer at the INEC Office, Bori called to inform me that the office was on fire. I could not ascertain the cause of the fire but he told me that he had informed the security agencies and investigation is ongoing.”
Similarly, the state police command confirmed the incident but said the fire has been put off while investigations were on-going.
A statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Ofdficer (PPRO), Omoni Nnamdi (DSP), said, “In the early hours of Friday, precisely about 1.10am, there was a reported case of fire outbreak at the INEC Office in Bori.
“The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. However it has been put out and Police Patrol Teams have been stationed to watch over the Building. No life was lost. INEC Officials are being awaited for assessment and ascertainment of property or items destroyed. Investigation into the incident has been ordered.
“The Command is on top of the situation and wishes to assure the people of the state that at the end of our Investigation, the cause of the fire will be ascertained and anybody or group of persons responsible will be dealt with in accordance with the law.”
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