Many police officers feared dead as gunmen burn INEC headquarters, attack police station in Anambra

Unknown gunmen on Sunday night have attacked the state headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Police B’ Division in Awka, the State capital.

It was gathered that the incident occurred on Sunday night around 9 pm.

Sources confirmed that some police officers were feared dead in the attack.

It was gathered the gunmen invaded the area in three Hilux vehicles.

Eyewitnesses said the attack lasted for about two hours with gunshots.

“The gunmen set the police station and INEC office ablaze. It was followed by what looks like mass robbery in the area with gunshots everywhere. It was like we were in Sambisa Forest,” an eyewitness said.

 “They shot for more than one hour at B-Division before leaving. They then stopped at Ekwueme Square and shot for about 10 minutes before proceeding to the INEC Office which they set on fire,” the eyewitness added.

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Another an eyewitness, who asked not to be named, said before proceeding to INEC, the gunmen drove to Aroma junction and shot in the air for about 10 minutes which made residents scamper for safety before they headed down to INEC.

Though the eyewitness said he could not speak on causality figure, he added that there was the likelihood of colossal damage at both institutions with many feared killed.

“I saw flames of fire going up from the police station and INEC offices, but I cannot say whether people were killed or not because I did not go closer,” he said.

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Meanwhile, the Police in Anambra State have confirmed the incident.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Ikenga Tochukwu, who confirmed the incident, said he had scanty information on the development.

He said, “Please, I will get back to you as soon as I get the full details.”

Also, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Anambra, Nkwachukwu Orji, said he had received information on the attack in his office, but he could not officially comment on the matter.

“I need to get clear picture of what happened in my office before I can speak”, he said.

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