The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday suffered another attack on its facilities as Uknown attackers invaded it’s Igboeze North Local Government Area office and set it on fire.
The attack which occurred around 11:48 pm on Sunday night was the second of such attack in the area in the space of 1 year.
While confirming the incident, INEC spokesman Festus Okoye in a statement stated that the unknown attackers set INEC Office in Igboeze North Local Government area ablaze at 11.48pm on Sunday 3rd July 2022.
He said the attackers overpowered the security guards on duty but no injuries or death was recorded during the attack.
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“The arsonists overpowered the security guards, forced their way into the premises and set the building ablaze. Although no casualties were reported, 748 ballot boxes, 240 voting cubicles, office furniture and equipment were destroyed in spite of the best effort of the Enugu State Fire Service deployed from Nsukka.
“The Commission is working to ascertain the status of voter registration machines for the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise as well as uncollected Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) locked up in the fireproof cabinet.
He further added that the incident has been reported to the Nigeria Police for investigation and further action.
The spokesman described the incident as worrisome because the attack is coming in the middle of the voter registration exercise and other preparations for 2023 General Election.
“It will be recalled that on 23rd May 2021, INEC office in the neighbouring Igboeze South Local Government Area was attacked in a similar manner by unknown gunmen.
“This followed earlier attacks on Udenu Local Government Area office on 13th May 2021 and the State Headquarters in Enugu on 16th May 2021.
“The Commission has since substantially recovered from these attacks and resumed normal activities there, including the CVR and collection of PVCs.
He said the Commission will continue to work with the security agencies and the emergency services to protect our facilities.
