Again, Hoodlums Attack INEC Office In Imo

Again, hoodlums have attacked another facility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Imo State.

Naija News learnt that the latest attack was carried out in the Isu Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday.

In a statement dated December 21, 2022, INEC lamented that yesterday’s attack made the fourth by hoodlums in Imo in less than three weeks following previous attacks in the Orlu and Oru West Local Government Areas and the State Headquarters in Owerri.

It said the incident had been reported to the police and other sister security agencies for further action while the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Imo State, Sylvia Agu, was informed of the situation also.

National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, confirmed that eight windows were smashed and burglary proofs removed.

He, however, noted that hoodlums could not access the building, adding that movable and immovable equipment and other sensitive election materials were not removed or vandalized.

See the full statement below:

INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION

PRESS RELEASE: ATTACK ON OUR ISU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OFFICE OF IMO STATE

“The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Imo State, Professor Sylvia Uchenna Agu, has reported that our office in Isu Local Government Area office was attacked and vandalised. The incident occurred at the early hours of Tuesday, 20th December 2022.

“Eight windows were smashed, and burglary proofs removed. Fortunately, the attackers could not access the building. Movable and immovable equipment as well as other materials were not removed or vandalised.

“However, as a precautionary measure, critical materials such as ballot boxes and voting cubicles have been evacuated to another INEC facility for safe keeping. Similarly, all uncollected PVCs have been secured while security will be deployed to ensure the continuous collection of the cards by registered voters in the same premises.

“The incident has been reported to the Police and other security agencies for necessary action.

“This is the fourth attack on INEC facilities in Imo State in less than three weeks following previous attacks on Orlu and Oru West Local Government Areas and the State Headquarters in Owerri.”