Cases of arson have been reported in Ebonyi and Benue states as the Governorship and State Assembly elections got underway across Nigeria this morning (Saturday, March 9, 2019).

Just few hours to the commencement of the process, the office of the Independent Electoral commission (INEC) located at Community Secondary School Okposi, Umuoghara Ezza North of Ebonyi State, was set ablaze by suspected political thugs.

It was learnt that the thugs invaded the centre at about 2:15am and attacked the officials.

They were said to have shot sporadically and scared people away before setting the centre ablaze and burning all INEC sensitive materials.

When contacted, the Resident Electoral commissioner (REC), Ebonyi State, Prof. Godswill Obioma, confirmed the incident.

In neighbouring Benue State, a primary school containing all electoral materials for Mbalom ward in Gwer East Local Government Area has been set ablaze, according to reports reaching Channels Television.

All the electoral materials are said to have been completely destroyed in the fire.

Suspected thugs had reportedly stormed the school premises shooting in the air to scare residents away before setting the school ablaze.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner for the state, Mr. Nentawe Yilwatda, could not immediately be reached to speak on the situation of things.