By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa
An alleged bomb scare and threat of attack Monday caused pandemonium at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

Though there was a sizable number of the armed anti riot policemen stationed in front of the INEC office on guard duty commission’s personnel and journalists who visited the commission’s Public Affairs Department took to their heels when security report filtered in about the bomb threat.

The incident occurred at about 12 noon when most journalists stormed the commission for update on the results of the last Saturday National Assembly polls in the state in which the opposition parties have kicked against alleging multiple electoral fraud.

Our correspondent who witnessed the drama reports that trouble started when a SSS personnel rushed into the commission’s premises stating that security report filtering in had it that the commission building was to be attacked and that everybody should vacate the premises.

Initially, some journalists were reluctant to comply with the directive but when they saw the speed with which the INEC workers were fleeing the premises they also took to their heels and took refuge at the Civil Servant quarters.

The security operatives responded swiftly by condoning the access route to the building and later dismantled the blockade on realizing it was a hoax.

The terrified workers and journalists later returned to the office when normalcy returned.

A member of the anti bomb squad expressed anger over the development noting that the security men on guard at the entrance to the commission’s office should have been informed first instead of notifying the workers which triggered the confusion that enveloped the premises.

As at press time, security had been reinforced around the premises ostensibly to avert any possible security lapses.