Two INEC offices set ablaze in Ebonyi State

Two offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ebonyi and Ezza North local government areas of Ebonyi State were on Tuesday night set ablaze by unidentified persons leading to severe damages to the buildings.

Confirming the incident on its official Twitter handle on Wednesday morning, the Commission explained that there were no casualties but extensive damages to the building and facilities were recorded.

INEC’s spokesman in Ebonyi State, Ali Sunday noted although no person was injured during the attack, sensitive materials were burnt.

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— INEC Nigeria (@inecnigeria) May 19, 2021

A few days back, materials and equipment were destroyed during a fire outbreak at the INEC office in Enugu State.

“This is the third incident involving INEC’s Local Government offices in three States in less than two weeks,” the Commission said.

On Sunday, May 16th, 2021, six vehicles were razed with two others damaged following an attack on the Enugu State office of the electoral body.

“The attackers set the foyer ablaze, vandalised some offices in the main building and caused extensive damage to some of the Commission’s movable assets within the premises,” INEC explained.

Also Read: Enugu: Hoodlums attack INEC state headquarters, set vehicles ablaze

The latest attack is coming as INEC prepares for a meeting with security agencies due to the incessant assaults on the commission’s offices across the country.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education, Festus Okoye, expressed fear that the developments may affect early preparations for the 2023 general elections if allowed to continue.

“We are worried that our preparations are being distracted and distorted. We are also worried because some of our officers are now living in fear in relation to what is going on.

“There is no doubt whatsoever that what is going on is unacceptable, and it is going to divert the attention of the commission from early preparations for the 2023 elections and for the off-season elections that we’re organising,” Okoye said.

Zainab Sa’id