Three people have reportedly been killed as gunmen attacked the Imo State headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Owerri.
Newsflash Nigeria learnt that the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday.
The attackers burnt several INEC official vehicles parked, and destroyed many offices inside the premises including the building housing the office of the Resident Electoral Commissioner(REC).
According to sources, the gunmen threw grenades through the commission’s fence but were reportedly repelled by officers of the Nigeria Police Force and other security operatives in the area, killing three of the hoodlums.
Meanwhile, the Imo State Police Command confirmed the incident to newsmen, saying four persons including one policeman been killed in the incident.
The Spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, Mike Abattam, said the gunmen numbering over 10 came around 3 am with petrol bombs and dynamite.
He, however, said the hoodlums were confronted by security operatives who repelled the attack and killed three of the attackers.
Abattam also said one of the attackers was arrested by the police and three vehicles used by hoodlums were recovered.
Some parts of the building on the INEC premises were razed.
The attacks on INEC offices nationwide have become disturbing as the 2023 elections draw nearer. Before Monday’s attack, two other attacks have been recorded in Imo – in the Oru West Local Government Area and in the Orlu Local Government Area.
Also, in November, the INEC office in the Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State was set on fire by hoodlums. Offices of the commission in Osun and Ogun states were also attacked by gunmen. Several Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) and other electoral items were destroyed in these attacks.
INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, has, however, assured Nigerians that the attacks on the offices of the electoral umpire won’t affect the 2023 general polls.
