The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has confirmed that some hoodlums attacked and set ablaze its headquarters in Enugu state.
It was gathered that the hoodlums overpowered the security personnel on duty around 9.00pm and tried to set the entire building ablaze.
INEC made the confirmation in a press statement released by National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye Esq on Monday.
The statement on INEC Official Twitter account @inecnigeria, sighted by Osun Defender Correspondent in osogbo on Monday.
The statement reads, “Last night, Sunday 16th May 2021, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Enugu State, Emeka Ononamadu, reported an attack on the State Headquarters office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Enugu.
“Some unidentified persons overpowered the security personnel on duty around 9.00pm 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, vandalised some offices in the main building and caused extensive damage to some of the Commission’s movable assets within the premises.
“Six (6) utilility 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)”.
