The escalating wave of kidnappings and banditry in Kwara North has forced workers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Patigi and Edu Local Government Areas to abandon their duty posts and lock up offices, throwing the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise into uncertainty.
Multiple security sources confirmed that operatives in the intelligence community had advised INEC staff to stay away from volatile areas, warning that they could become “soft targets” for armed gangs terrorising the region.
One source disclosed that Lade town in Patigi had been largely deserted after sustained attacks, adding that officials were warned not to risk their lives.
“The INEC staff are scared. They don’t want to risk being kidnapped or attacked. They were even told to get clearance from security agencies before reporting for duty,” the source said.
Another official revealed that the commission had made it clear it would not pay ransom in the event of abductions.
“The chairman told us bluntly that INEC has no money to pay ransom. If anything happens, we are on our own. We can’t risk our lives in the name of service,” one official told PLATFORM TIMES.
The fear has paralysed registration in many parts of the two local governments, leaving thousands of eligible voters stranded. Residents said the closure of offices has further eroded confidence in government assurances of security.
Locals lamented that attacks on communities have continued unabated, with many fleeing their homes.
“People are eager to register to vote and bring in a government that can guarantee their safety. But how do you go out to register when you are not sure you will return alive?” a community leader in Patigi said.
The situation, residents added, has raised concerns about voter disenfranchisement ahead of the 2027 elections.
Meanwhile, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has come under criticism for allegedly neglecting the crisis.
Residents accused him of traveling abroad while communities are under siege.
“The governor is junketing around the world while Kwara is burning. We hear he is in the United States on vacation and refused to hand over to his deputy. Everyone here has been left to their fate,” a resident lamented.
However, when contacted, Kwara’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Hale Gabriel Longpet, dismissed reports that INEC staff had abandoned their offices.
He said registration was ongoing, though security challenges had slowed down turnout.
“Yes, there were concerns on the first day of the exercise in August, but we contacted the Commissioner of Police and Civil Defence, and security was provided. Since then, registration has been ongoing, though people are cautious because of insecurity,” Longpet said.
The REC maintained that INEC offices in Patigi and Edu are located at local government headquarters, not remote communities, and therefore not deserted as alleged.
Despite the official denial, PLATFORM TIMES gathered that both staff and residents remain gripped by fear, with the worsening insecurity threatening to derail electoral preparations in Kwara North.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
