Suspected arsonists raze electoral commission office in Enugu state

The office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) located in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, has been razed by suspected arsonists, who overpowered security guards.

Penpushing reports that, the Public Relations Officer of the commission,Festus Okoye confirmed the incident in a statement, adding that the attack, which as reported by the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Enugu State, Emeka Ononamadu

The spokesman of the commission explained in the statement that the arsonists after overpowered security guards at the facility, forced their way into the premises before setting the commission’s office ablaze.

“Although no casualties were reported, 748 ballot boxes, 240 voting cubicles, office furniture and equipment were destroyed in spite of the best efforts of the Enugu State Fire Service deployed from Nsukka’, Okoye said.

Penpushing further reports that, Okoye said the commission was working to ascertain the status of voter registration machines for the on-going continuous Voter Registration exercise as well as uncollected Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) which were locked up in the fireproof cabinet at the commission’s office.

The public relations officer stated that the incident has been reported to the police for investigation and further action, stressing that it was worrisome that the attack was coming in the middle of voter registration exercises and preparations for the 2023 general elections.

Penpushing also reports that, Okoye recalled that gunmen, in May 2021, attacked the commission’s office in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of the state, a stone throw to the council area where the latest attack occurred.

The commission’s image maker added that, within the same month, the commission’s office at Udenu Council Area of the state and its headquarters in the state, were also attacked by gunmen, stating that the commission had “substantially” recovered from the previous attacks and resumed normal activities in those areas before the latest incident.

Penpushing reports that, Okoye assured that, the commission will continue to work with security agencies and the emergency services to protect our facilities.

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