INEC Officials held hostage at Brass Collation Centre in Bayelsa returns to Yenagoa

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

The officials of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) held hostage at Brass Local Government Area (LGA) Collation Centre since Saturday have been freed.

INEC had in its social media handle X formally Twitter 3xpressed concern over the safety of its staff deployed to Brass LGA for the Nov 11 governorship election in Bayelsa.

INEC noted that the abduction of its personnel in two incidents adversely affects the credibility of the electoral process.

It was learnt that the officials were freed on Monday.

Mr Wilfred Ifogah Head of Voter Education and Publicity at INEC State Office in Bayelsa confirmed the release of the officials but said he had not detailed on how the freedom was secured.

Also, Asinim Butswat, Chief Superintendent of Police who confirmed the freedom of the officials said the results for Brass was brought to Yenagoa and delivered to the State Collation Centre on Sunday.

Butswat said sustained efforts by Police led to the release.

On the number of arrests made for sundry electoral offences, Butswat said the figures were being compiled.

INEC had earlier confirmed the release of its Supervisory Presiding Officer in Sagbama LGA who was abducted on Friday, eve of the poll.