Enugu: Hoodlums attack INEC state headquarters, set vehicles ablaze
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says its Enugu State headquarters was on Sunday night attacked by hoodlums who set fire to six Hilux vehicles.
INEC National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Bar. Festus Okoye confirmed the development in a statement released on Monday.
According to the Commission, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Enugu State, Emeka Ononamadu, reported the attack on the State Headquarters office of the Commission on Sunday night May 16, 2021.
“Some unidentified persons overpowered the security personnel on duty around 9.00 pm and tried to set the entire building ablaze.
“The attention of the security agencies, as well as the Federal and State Fire Services in Enugu, was drawn to the unfolding situation and they responded swiftly.
“The attackers set the foyer ablaze, vandalized some offices in the main building and caused extensive damage to some of the Commission’s movable assets within the premises.
PRESS RELEASE
Attack on INEC State Headquarters in Enugu pic.twitter.com/Vn0rYKZjgc— INEC Nigeria (@inecnigeria) May 17, 2021
“Six (6) utility pick-up vehicles (Toyota Hilux) were burnt down while two (2) more were smashed and damaged. The security agencies who were at the scene have commenced investigation.
”As we categorically mentioned in our earlier statements, the spate of attacks on the Commission’s facilities portends danger to national electoral activities.
“The Commission is holding an emergency meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) on Wednesday 19th May 2021 and further statement will be released ahead of another emergency meeting with heads of all the security agencies in the country under the auspices of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).” The statement read.
The attack on the Commission’s headquarters came barely 48 hours after the INEC office at Udenu Local Government Area of the state was razed down.
INEC Local Government Office in Enugu State Set Ablaze pic.twitter.com/8mEiBfpjZ8
— INEC Nigeria (@inecnigeria) May 14, 2021
Zainab Sa’id
