Thugs Snatched BVAS Machines In Katsina, Delta — INEC Chairman Confirms

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, has revealed that thugs snatched Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines in Katsina and Delta states.

Speaking during a briefing at the collation centre in Abuja on Saturday, Yakubu stated that the electoral process had encountered some challenges across the country, including logistic and security issues.

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Yakubu reported that the BVAS had functioned optimally in most parts of the country and that complaints about its functionality were minimal.

However, he acknowledged that the inability to open polling units at 8:30 am in some locations had been a challenge. This was due to logistic problems, despite the commission’s best efforts, and insecurity.

Yakubu also reported that thugs had attacked a polling unit in Oshimili, Delta state, and stolen two BVAS machines.

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However, INEC replaced the stolen machines, restored security, and ensured that voting continued.

Similarly, in Safana LGA of Katsina state, thugs attacked voting locations and snatched six BVAS machines, but INEC had been able to use spare machines and reinforce security for voting to continue.

While security agencies have recovered three of the stolen BVAS machines, three are still in the hands of the thugs.

Yakubu noted that the attacks targeted the BVAS machines and not the ballot boxes. In conclusion, he expressed optimism that the electoral process would continue smoothly, despite the challenges encountered so far.