Election materials destroyed as arsonists torched INEC office in Enugu

Tunde Opalana, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suffered yet another arsonists attack as unknown persons on Sunday set torched one of its offices in Enugu State.

This unfortunate incident is the first since the last attack on INEC facilities four months ago in May 2021.

Barrister Festus Okoye, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee disclosed this in a statement Sunday.

According to him, “the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Enugu State, Mr. Emeka Ononamadu, reported an attack on the INEC office in Awgu Local Government Area of the State. The building was set ablaze this morning, Sunday 19th September 2021, resulting in extensive damage to mainly the stores section where election materials are kept”.

Report had it that no casualties was recorded in the incident.

Fortunately for the Commission, he said all movable election materials had been evacuated following recent attacks on INEC offices in the state.
The identity or motives of attackers are unknown while the incident has been reported to the Nigeria Police Force for investigation.

“The Commission appreciates the prompt response of the security agencies comprising the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as well the Enugu State Fire Service and the Awgu Local Government Neighbourhood Watch”, said Okoye .