Security Experts Proffer Solutions To Persistent Attacks On INEC Facilities, Reveal Those Responsible

Some security experts have come out to proffer solutions to the persistent attacks on facilities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to them, the identification of sponsors by security agencies will help curb the rising attacks by agents who don’t want the election to hold.

The experts noted that those who are behind the attacks are Nigerians who are afraid of elections.

Naija News reports that a retired Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Ojukwu told Punch that the security intelligence surrounding the cases of the INEC attacks is poor.

His reaction is against the backdrop of recent and persistent attacks on facilities of INEC across the federation.

The commission in data released last week disclosed that in the last four years, 50 attacks were launched on its facilities across 15 states, with Imo State leading in the number of attacks.

The INEC data revealed that Imo State recorded the highest number of attacks on INEC facilities with 11 incidents, followed by Osun State with seven, then Akwa-Ibom and Enugu with five each, followed by Ebonyi, Cross River, Abia with four incidences recorded each, then Anambra and Taraba with two each as well and Borno, Ogun, Lagos, Bayelsa, Ondo and Kaduna also recording one incidence each.

Suggesting a way forward, Ojukwu said, “The attacks have occurred too often; by now, security agencies should have read the modus operandi. That appears not the case.

“Most of the attacks were launched from outside the INEC premises. This suggests that the target ought to have been hardened. By providing external cover, we deny the attackers the opportunity to mess up the system. Even if they are not denied opportunities, the presence of security outside could delay and deter them.

“There is an apparent insufficiency in intelligence. This suggests a disconnection between the security agencies and the community. The attacks are not spontaneous but planned over time.

“Also related to poor intelligence is the fact that the sponsors of the attacks may not have been identified, except for the usual blanket finger-pointing by IPOB/ ESN.

“There could be other groups and persons not happy with the politics of Imo State, or disgruntled elements seeking revenge or a pound of flesh, or plain mischief makers trying to ruffle feathers.”

Another security expert identified as Chidi Omeje as learnt by Naija News also submitted that “We cannot just say that we are helpless. The government cannot be helpless. Those who stated that they did not want the election to take place may be responsible for the increasing attacks on INEC facilities.

“Also, people seem to have lost that sense of ownership. There is no robust concern about what is happening to INEC facilities. People are giving up easily on what is happening to INEC. They tend to say that it does not bother them.

“These signs show a society in distress. If the electoral process is not secured, there cannot be a democratically elected government.”