An official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was abducted after suspected gunmen disrupted an African Democratic Congress (ADC) primary election in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The incident reportedly happened late Thursday night at Wummy Hotel in Ekori community, where delegates and party officials had gathered for the primary election exercise.
According to security sources, armed men stormed the venue in separate groups, creating confusion and forcing participants to flee for safety.
During the attack, the INEC returning officer supervising the exercise was allegedly forced into a vehicle by the attackers. Reports also indicated that the abductors compelled the official to transfer N70,000 before taking him away.
Another group of attackers reportedly escaped with ballot boxes and other election materials from the venue.
Following the incident, troops operating in the area launched a rescue operation after receiving intelligence on the movement of the suspects.
Security operatives later intercepted the vehicle conveying the abducted official and successfully rescued him.
Three suspects connected to the attack were arrested during the operation, while another armed suspect reportedly escaped into a nearby bush with a pistol, mobile phone, ATM card and some election materials.
Authorities confirmed that the rescued INEC official, the arrested suspects and the recovered vehicle are currently in military custody as investigations continue.
Security agencies also said efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect and recover the remaining stolen materials.
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