The office of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC in Ogurute, Igboeze North Local Government Headquarters, Enugu State was set aflame by unknown arsonists. The office was reportedly burnt down around 11:48pm on Sunday, 3rd July, 2022
Confirming the attack, Festus Okoye Esq., National Commissioner, Information said the Invaders overpowered the security personnel and set the place on fire. “The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Enugu State, Mr. EmekaOnonamadu, reported that our Igboeze North Local Government Area office was set ablaze by unknown arsonists. The attack happened at 11.48pm on Sunday 3rd July 2022.
The arsonists overpowered the security guards, forced their way into the premises and set the building ablaze. Although no casualties were reported, 748 ballot boxes, 240 voting cubicles, office furniture and equipments were destroyed in spite of the best of best efforts of the Enugu State Fire Service deployed from Nsukka. The commission is working to ascertain the status of voter registration machines for the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise as well as uncollected Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) locked up in the fireproof cabinet.
The incident has been reported to the Nigeria Police for investigation and further action. “The attack, coming in the middle of the voter registration exercise and other preparations for 2023 General Election, is worrisome. It will be recalled that on 25rd May 2021, Our office in the neighbouringlgboeze South Local Government Area was attacked in a similar manner by unknown gunmen. This followed earlier attacks on Udenu Local Government Area office on 13th May 2021 and the State Headquarters in Enugu on 16th May 2021. The CommissIon has since substantially recovered from these attacks and resumed normal activities there, including the CVR and collection of PVCs
“The Commission will continue to work with the security agencies and the emergency Services to protect our facilities,” Okoye said in a statement issued on Monday, July 4th, 2022. The Council Area has come under attack recently by unknown gunmen leading the state government to impose 6pm to 6am curfew in both Igboeze North and Igboeze South Local Government Areas.
