INEC smart card reader stolen in Edo

Less than 10 days to the governorship election in Edo state, a smart card reader belonging to the Independent National Electoral Commission has been reported stolen.

The theft was reported in Igarra, head quarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.

It was being used to train electoral officials when it disappeared.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has expressed worry over the theft.

According to the state Administrative Secretary, Mr Oscar Amaechi, the card reader is yet to be configured for election purposes, adding that security agencies are on the trail of the thief.

The statement said the act would not do any good to the good people of Akoko-Edo.

He said the training smart card reader was stolen by a young man during the training of Presiding Officers and assistant Presiding Officers in Akoko Edo.

Edo state will have its governorship election on 10 September.

Pundits are predicting a straight race between the All Progressives Candidate, Godwin Obaseki and the Peoples Democratic Party Candidate, Pastor Ize-Iyamu.