Gunmen Kidnap Top INEC Official in Jigawa State

A senior official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr Mahadi Hassan, has been reportedly kidnapped by gunmen in Jigawa State.

The Head of Department (HOD), in charge of Voter’s Education and Publicity in the state office, Mr John Kaiwa, disclosed that Hassan has been missing since Friday.

He told a national television on Tuesday the victim was abducted on Gwiwa Road in the state.

The police authorities in Jigawa also confirmed the incident.

According to reports, there was no formal complaint filed by the electoral body or the family of the victims but the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Bala Zama, however, contacted the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Mahmoud Isah.

Mr Zama told reporters in Dutse that the kidnappers have contacted the family and they have demanded for a ransom before he can regain his freedom.

President Muhammadu Buhari won the state during the Presidential and National Assembly election held 23rd February while Mohammadu Badaru, the incumbent governor of the state was re-elected.

When The ICIR contacted INEC spokesperson, Mr. Rotmi Lawrence, he did not answer his call. He was yet to respond to sms sent to him as at the time of filing this report.

Culled from: International Centre for Investigative Reporting