Again, arsonists set ablaze INEC office in Imo

By Harry Awurumibe, Editor Abuja Bureau

The grand plot by uþynpatriotic elements in Nigeria to derail the 2023 electoral process has not abated as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed another attack on its office in Oru West Local Government Area (LGA) in Imo state barely three days after another office
in Orlu LGA was attacked by yet to be identified persons.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, (REC) for Imo state, Professor Sylvia Uchenna Agu, said the latest attack took place at about 4.00am on Sunday, December 4, 2022.

A statement released late Sunday night by INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Barrister Festus Okoye, said the attack affected the Conference Room where office furniture and fittings were destroyed.

Okoye, however, noted that other critical facilities were not affected, adding this attack makes the 7th on INEC’s facilities in five States of the Federation in the last four months.

Recall that on Thursday 1st December 2022, INEC’s office in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State was also attacked.

According to INEC, the building, which is undergoing extensive renovation following an earlier attack, was vandalised and partially set ablaze, while three, out of seven construction workers, were abducted, but later released.

The Commission noted that the damage .would have been more extensive but for the quick response of the Nigeria Police which has deployed its personnel to the site.

“Once again, the Commission expresses its concern on the consequences of what appears to be a systematic attack on its facilities across the country on the conduct of elections in particular and electoral activities in general.

“The attention of the security agencies has been drawn to this latest incident for investigation and prosecution,” the statement said.