The Independent National Electoral Commission, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye has revealed that some gunmen have attacked the commission’s office in the Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Okoye revealed this in a statement on Monday, saying the commission has so far recorded 50 attacks on its facilities in 15 states in the last four years.
He said Imo State tops the list of states affected with 11 incidents, adding that the incident which occurred Sunday night was repelled by the police and military.
The attackers destroyed the security gatehouse and killed a policeman with another injured. Unfortunately, they could not gain access to the main building.
However, the commission assured Nigerians that elections would still take place in Enugu despite the incident.
The statement read, “The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Enugu State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Chukwu, has reported that our office in Enugu South Local Government Area was attacked by unknown gunmen. The incident occurred around 9.12pm yesterday, Sunday, January 15, 2023.
“The security gatehouse was razed. Fortunately, the attackers could not gain access to the main building as a result of the rapid response from the Police and Army officers from 82 Division. The State Commissioner of Police and the REC were personally at the scene immediately they received information about the attack.
“Of the two policemen deployed to protect the facility, one of them lost his life while the other sustained injuries and is receiving treatment. The commission prays for the repose of the soul of the deceased policeman and the speedy recovery of the injured.
“The attack is being investigated by the security agencies. Furthermore, a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security in Enugu State co-chaired by the REC and the Commissioner of Police has been convened to discuss the latest incident and design additional strategies of fortifying the offices and protecting the personnel and materials.
“Meanwhile, the destroyed gatehouse will be rebuilt, and the Commission is proceeding with its preparations for the 2023 general election in Enugu State and the entire country as scheduled.”
