The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised the alarm over an alleged abduction of its staff in Bayelsa State.
The Commission said on Sunday via a statement published on its X handle that their officials are being held hostage in Brass Local Government Area of the state and efforts to reach them have not been successful.
The Commission has not commenced full collation of votes in the governorship election that took place in the state on Saturday.
INEC says it is pleading with the abductors of the officials to release them while also calling on security operatives to wade in and rescue the seized officials.
The statement reads:
“The Unfolding Situation in Brass Local Government Area.
“The Commission is closely watching the situation in Brass LGA of Bayelsa State where our officials are held hostage.
“This is detrimental to credible elections. We call on the security agencies to immediately facilitate their release.”