Few hours to the commencement of the local government election in Akwa Ibom, hoodlums have razed the State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) office in Ibiatuk, Ibiono Ibom local government area.

Akwa Ibom Police Public Relations officer ASP Timfon John, who confirmed the incident, however, said no life was lost and electoral materials were not affected.

John said the incident has not affected voting, adding that voters were exercising their franchise as of press time.

According to her, the Police Command had deployed more operatives to AKISIEC offices across the State to forestall further mayhem.

The election has been characterised with late arrival of materials and absence of security operatives at polling units.

At Unit 001 Ward 14 in Uyo local government area, there were no materials as at 10.02 am. No AKISIEC and security official was present.

The same scenario played out at Unit 2, Ward 11 in Itu local government area.