Unidentified individuals have reportedly attempted to set fire to an office belonging to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, just days before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council elections scheduled for February 21.
The building, located in the Abaji area of the FCT, is currently under renovation and not in active use.
According to police authorities, officers from the Abaji Division received a report at about 7:30 a.m. on February 19 that unknown persons were trying to set the structure ablaze. A patrol team was immediately dispatched to the scene, where they successfully extinguished the fire before it could cause significant damage.
Following an on-the-spot assessment, police said foul play is suspected, noting that the building remains under renovation and the contractor has yet to meet the project deadline.
Officials clarified that the affected structure is not the main INEC office in the area and is currently empty. The primary office remains safe and fully operational.
Police also assured residents that armed personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order, adding that the situation is under close monitoring as preparations continue for the upcoming elections.