Gunmen attacked the Independent National Electoral Commission in Owerri, Imo State’s capital, on Monday morning.
After being torched with a firebomb, a portion of the building caught fire and was damaged.
According to the Imo state police public relations officer, Mike Abbatam, who confirmed the incident, three gunmen were killed and two firebombs were recovered from the scene.
This comes just eight days after an INEC office in the state’s Orlu Local Government Area was attacked.
Suspected hoodlums had similarly set fire to the commission’s offices in Ebonyi, Osun, and Ogun States in the previous four weeks, raising fears that some were plotting to derail the 2023 election.
The Owerri attack, which occurred around 3 a.m. today, was conquered, with three of the perpetrators, including their commander, being gunned down.
The hoodlums also had AK47 rifles and pump action guns, as well as eight vehicles.
According to an impecabble source, “This morning, gunmen launched a vociferous attack on the INEC office in Owerri, Imo state but the joint security team was able to repel them and killed three of the attackers, including their commander.
“Seven vehicles were recovered, including seven AK47 and pump action rifles. Many of the gunmen escaped with bullet wounds. But one police vehicle was burned by the hoodlums.”
He added, “We killed three of the attackers and recovered three AK47 rifles and pump action guns. We also recovered two explosives and three of their vehicles.”
Security in parts of Owerri, has been beefed up, following the incident.
