The state house of assembly election taking place in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, has been cancelled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
The development followed the abduction of 17 ad-hoc staff in the morning of Saturday 18th, March 2023 which generated concerns about the safety of electoral officers and the credibility of the process.
The Quest Times had reported that police operatives in Imo State rescued 19 INEC ad hoc staff who were kidnapped in the early hours of Saturday in Imo State.
The development was confirmed by INEC authorities in the state.
According to officials, the 19 INEC ad hoc staff were on their way to seven different polling units in Ugbelie ward 06 in Ideato South LGA of Imo State when they were abducted.
INEC spokesperson, Chinenye Chijioke-Osuji, said the rescue took place after a distress call and information about the incident was made to the operatives who immediately swung into action.
She added that even though they were rescued, all the election materials which include BVAS and sensitive materials were not recovered.
Chijioke-Osuji said that the election materials, including BVAS and sensitive materials, were not retrieved, despite successfully rescuing the individuals.