Thugs snatched BVAS machines in Katsina, Delta — INEC Chairman

Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines were stolen in Katsina and Delta states, according to Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

At a briefing on Saturday at the collation center in Abuja, Yakubu said that the electoral process had faced some difficulties nationwide, including logistical and security issues.
In most areas of the nation, the BVAS had operated flawlessly, according to Yakubu, and there had been few complaints about how it had performed.

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He did admit, though, that some locations had been difficult to open polling places at 8:30 am. Despite the commission’s best efforts, this was caused by logistical issues and insecurity.
Yakubu also reported that thugs had attacked a polling unit in Oshimili, Delta state, and stolen two BVAS machines
However, INEC replaced the stolen machines, restored security, and ensured that voting continued. Similarly, in Safana LGA of Katsina state, thugs attacked voting locations and snatched six BVAS machines, but INEC had been able to use spare machines and reinforce security for voting to continue. While security agencies have recovered three of the stolen BVAS machines, three are still in the hands of the thugs.

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Yakubu noted that the attacks targeted the BVAS machines and not the ballot boxes. In conclusion, he expressed optimism that the electoral process would continue smoothly, despite the challenges encountered so far.