Attack On INEC Facilities Persists, As Gunmen Kill Policeman, Destroy INEC Enugu Office

By Akinwale Kasali

The attack on the facilities of electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is yet to abate as gunmen, has again, attacked the Commission’s office in Enugu South Local Government Area, Enugu State.

The INEC facility was said to have been attacked on Sunday. A Policeman attached to protect the facility was  killed while other Police officers sustained high degree of injuries, and are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

According to Festus Okoye, the National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, the attack occurred around 9.12pm on Sunday.

Okoye stated: ”The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Enugu State, Dr. Chukwuemeka J. 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 15th January 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 Commission prays for the repose of the soul of the deceased policeman and the speedy recovery of the injured.”

The INEC Commissioner further disclosed that the attack is under investigation  by Security Agencies.

Furthermore, a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) 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 for 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,” he stated.

This is the third attack on INEC facilities in the South East in less than one month, prompting the INEC Boss, Professor Mahmood Yakubu to call on Security Agencies to bring the perpetrators to book.