The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says another of its office in Nigeria’s southeastern state of Imo was set ablaze by hoodlums.
The commission said although no life was lost the building located in Njaba Local Government Area of the state was substantially burnt down, along with electoral materials, office equipment and furniture.
The attack is coming exactly a week after another INEC’s office in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area was vandalized and makes it the eighth office of the commission to be attacked in Imo State since the 2019 General Election.
INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye in a statement on Sunday said the total number of INEC offices attacked nationwide since 2019 has now risen to 42.
He said “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 has the capacity of compromising electoral activities and the credibility of the democratic process.”
According to Mr Okoye, “our Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Imo State, Professor Francis Ezeonu, has reported that our office in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State was set ablaze today Sunday 30th May 2021.
“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.”
By Abel Ejikeme