Three persons were killed in an attack that was repelled by the police on the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) along Port Harcourt Road in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
The Police Public Relations officer (PPRO) for the Imo State Police Command, Mike Abattam, said the attackers, numbering over 10, armed with guns, petrol bombs, dynamite and charms, came around 3am to burn down the INEC office.
According to Abattam, the hoodlums were however, confronted by security operatives who repelled the attack, killing three of the gunmen in the process.
The PPRO also said one of the attackers was arrested by the police and three vehicles used by hoodlums recovered.
Parts of the building on the INEC premises were razed.
Attacks on INEC offices across the country, have become worrisome as the 2023 elections draw nearer. Prior to the Monday incident, two other attacks had been recorded in the Oru West Local Government Area and the Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State.
INEC office in the Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State was set on fire in November by hoodlums.
Also, offices of the electoral umpire in Osun and Ogun states were also attacked by gunmen. Several Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) and other electoral items were destroyed in these attacks.
Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Chair has however, assured Nigerians that the attacks on the offices of the electoral umpire won’t affect the 2023 general elections.