Gunmen have attacked the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission in the Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC, Festus Okoye, stated this in a statement on Monday.
According to data released by INEC on December 16, 2022, 50 attacks have so far been recorded on its facilities across 15 states in the last four years, with Imo State topping the list with 11 incidents.
The statement noted that the latest incident, which occurred on Sunday, was repelled by the police and the army.
The attackers, who destroyed the security gatehouse, left a policeman dead and another injured.
They, however, could not gain access to the main building.
The commission assured that election would take place in Enugu despite the incident.
The statement read in part, “The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Enugu State, Dr Chukwuemeka Chukwu, has reported that our office in the Enugu South Local Government Area was attacked by unknown gunmen. The incident occurred around 9.12pm, Sunday, January 15, 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 attack is being investigated by security agencies.
“Meanwhile, the destroyed gatehouse will be rebuilt, and the commission is proceeding with its preparations for the 2023 General Elections in Enugu State and the entire country as scheduled.”
