CRIME
Bende LG Chairman Raises Alarm Over Alleged Illegal Collection of PVC and NIN Details
The Executive Chairman of Bende Local Government Area, Hon. Dcn. Uwabunkonye Bassey, has raised concerns over reports of alleged attempts by some individuals, purportedly acting on behalf of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to collect sensitive personal information from residents across wards in Bende LGA.
According to information available to the local government authority, the individuals are said to be demanding voters’ card details and National Identification Numbers (NIN) under the pretext of conducting a party e-registration exercise. The reports indicate that these activities are allegedly being carried out during so-called town hall meetings, where citizens’ personal details are either copied or photographed without due authorization.
The Chairman has made it clear that no individual, group, or political organization has the legal right to demand or collect Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) or NIN details from citizens in such a manner. He emphasized that such actions are unlawful, unsafe, and contrary to Nigeria’s democratic principles, electoral regulations, and data protection guidelines.
He warned that the unauthorized collection of sensitive personal information exposes citizens to identity theft and other forms of abuse, stressing that only legally recognized institutions, operating within established frameworks, are permitted to handle such data.
The Bende LGA leadership has therefore urged Ndi Bende and members of the general public to remain vigilant, avoid questionable gatherings, and refuse to share personal information with unauthorized persons or groups. Residents have also been encouraged to promptly report any suspicious activities to relevant security agencies for immediate action.
The local government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the rights, safety, and democratic freedoms of all residents of Bende Local Government Area.
The statement was issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Executive Chairman of Bende LGA, Chimezie Princewill Okezie, on January 17, 2026.