The office of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Orlu Local Government Area, Imo State, was attacked and partially set ablaze on by unknown individuals.
National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, made the announcement on Friday.
This is the fourth attack in three weeks on Local Government INEC offices, following attacks in Ogun, Osun, and Ebonyi states.
The building, which is currently undergoing extensive renovations, was previously set ablaze in 2020.
Three of the seven construction workers were abducted but later released, according to the statement.
According to the statement, “The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Imo State, Professor Sylvia Uchenna Agu, reported that our office in Orlu Local Government Area was attacked. The incident occurred yesterday Thursday, December 1, 2022.
“The building, which is undergoing extensive renovation following an earlier attack, was vandalised and partially set ablaze.
“Three out of seven construction workers were abducted but later released.
“The damage would have been more extensive but for the quick response of the Nigeria Police which has deployed its personnel to the site.
“This is one attack too many. The Commission once again expresses its concern over the spate of attacks on its facilities and the negative consequences on our preparations for the 2023 General Election.”
Meanwhile, the Imo State Police Command have foiled the recent attack on the Orlu office of the Independent National Electoral Commission in the state.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s Spokesperson, Michael Abattam, gunmen attacked the office at around 4:30 p.m. on Friday, shooting sporadically.
Abattam state that the IEDs thrown at the building were unable to damage the office’s security post.
He said that that the gunmen were later engaged in a gun duel by police, who overpowered them and pursued them, adding that many of the hoodlums sustained serious injuries.
In his word: “investigation is ongoing and efforts on top gear to arrest the fleeing suspects.”
“They cannot go far because of the volume of blood stains that were seen on the ground after their escape”, he added.
