Gunmen attack INEC office in Enugu

•Policeman killed, another injured, gatehouse razed

By Lateef Ibrahim , Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, office in Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State has been attacked by unknown gunmen. 

The incident occurred around 9.12pm last Sunday.

This was confirmed in a statement yesterday by an INEC National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Barrister Festus Okoye in Abuja.

The security gatehouse of the office, according to Okoye, was razed. Fortunately, the attackers, the statement said, could not gain access to the main building as a result of the rapid response from the Police and Army personnel from 82 Division.

The statement indicated that the State Commissioner of Police and the Resident Electoral Commissioner ,(REC) were personally at the scene immediately they received information about the attack. 

Of the two policemen deployed to protect the facility, one of them lost his life while the other sustained injuries and is receiving treatment. 

The statement by Okoye reads, “The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Enugu State, Dr. Chukwuemeka J. Chukwu, has reported that our office in Enugu South Local Government Area was attacked by unknown gunmen. 

“The incident occurred around 9.12pm yesterday, Sunday 15th January 2023.

“The security gatehouse was razed. Fortunately, the attackers could not gain access to the main building as a result of the rapid response from the Police and Army personnel from 82 Division. “The State Commissioner of Police and the REC were personally at the scene immediately they received information about the attack. 

“Of the two Policemen deployed to protect the facility, one of them lost his life while the other sustained injuries and is receiving treatment. 

“The Commission prays for the repose of the soul of the deceased policeman and the speedy recovery of the injured.

“The attack is being investigated by the security agencies. 

“Furthermore, a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) in Enugu State co-chaired by the REC and the Commissioner of Police has been convened to discuss the latest incident and design additional strategies of fortifying the offices and protecting the personnel and materials. 

“Meanwhile, the destroyed gatehouse will be rebuilt, and the Commission is proceeding with its preparations for the 2023 General Election in Enugu State and the entire country as scheduled”, it said.