Enugu police repel attack on INEC office, one killed

Some gunmen attacked the Independent National Electoral Commission office in the Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State.

This was contained in a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye on Monday.

According to data released by INEC on December 16, 2022, it so far recorded 50 attacks on its facilities across 15 states in the last four years, with Imo State topping the list of states affected with 11 incidents.

The statement noted that the incident which occurred Sunday night was repelled by the police and military.

The attackers who destroyed the security gatehouse left a policeman dead and 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.”