Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, during the African Democratic Congress, ADC, primary election in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The incident was said to have occurred around 11:15 p.m. on May 22 at Wummy Hotel in Ekori community, where the party primary election was being held.
According to security sources quoted by counter-insurgency publication, Zagazola Makama, two groups of armed men stormed the venue during the exercise.
One of the groups reportedly abducted the INEC returning officer, forced him into a vehicle and allegedly compelled him to transfer N70,000 before fleeing the scene.
Another group, operating on a motorcycle, was said to have carted away ballot boxes from the venue.
The report added that troops deployed in Yakurr LGA, acting on intelligence, laid an ambush for the fleeing suspects and intercepted the vehicle conveying the abducted official.
The INEC official was rescued during the operation, while three suspects were arrested.
Security sources disclosed that one armed suspect escaped into a nearby bush with a pistol, mobile phone, ATM card, travelling bag and other election materials.
The rescued INEC official, the arrested suspects and the recovered vehicle are currently in military custody for further investigation.
Security operatives have reportedly intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspect and recover the stolen electoral materials.
