INEC Office Attackers Kill One Police Officer In Enugu

The Independent National Electoral Commission’s office has come under gunfire in Enugu State’s Enugu South Local Government Area.

Festus Okoye, the National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, made this announcement on Monday.

50 attacks have been reported on INEC facilities across 15 states in the previous four years, with Imo State leading the list with 11 instances, according to statistics made public by INEC on December 16, 2022.

In the statement, it was mentioned that the police and army had put an end to the most recent incident, which happened on Sunday.

A police officer was killed and another was hurt by the attackers, who also demolished the security gatehouse.

But they were unable to enter the main structure.

The commission assured that election would take place in Enugu despite the incident.

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The statement read in part, “The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Enugu State, Dr Chukwuemeka Chukwu, has reported that our office in the Enugu South Local Government Area was attacked by unknown gunmen. The incident occurred around 9.12pm, 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 personnel 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 attack is being investigated by security agencies.

“Meanwhile, the destroyed gatehouse will be rebuilt, and the commission is proceeding with its preparations for the 2023 General Elections in Enugu State and the entire country as scheduled.”