Hoodlums Set Ablaze Another INEC Office in Imo

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday raised the alarm over the burning of its office in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State.

The commission said so far, the total number of INEC offices attacked nationwide since 2019 has now risen to 42.

In a statement issued by the INEC National Commissioner in charge of Publicity and Voter Education, Festus Okoye, the commission said Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Imo State, Professor Francis Ezeonu, reported that INEC office in Njaba LGA was set ablaze on May 30, 2021.

He further said although no life was lost, the building was substantially burnt down along with electoral materials, office equipment and furniture.

This latest incident has been reported to the police for investigation, Okoye said.

According to him, “This attack is coming exactly a week after our office in Ahiazu Mbaise LGA of the state was vandalised on May 23, 2021. It is also the eighth INEC office to be attacked in Imo State since the 2019 general election.

“The total number of INEC offices attacked nationwide since 2019 has now risen to 42.

“INEC buildings, infrastructure and equipment are critical national assets that guarantee the continuity of electoral activities throughout the federation. Attacking these offices is not in the national interest and it has the capacity of compromising electoral activities and the credibility of the democratic process,” Okoye stated.

The commission had last week met with security chiefs, who pledged to ensure adequate security for the commission in its electoral activities.