An INEC Office has been set ablaze in Imo State.
Gatekeepers News reports that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office located in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo state, South-East, Nigeria has been set ablaze.
This is coming barely a week after the commission’s office in Ahiazu Mbaise LGA of the state was also attacked.
It is the 12th office of the electoral umpire that has been razed following a recent trend of targeted attacks in the south-east in 2021 and 42nd nationwide.
The INEC disclosed this in a statement by National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye Esq.
The statement read:
“Our Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Imo State, Professor Francis Ezeonu, has reported that our office in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State was set ablaze today Sunday 30th May 2021.
“Although no life was lost, the building was substantially burnt down, along with electoral materials, office equipment and furniture.
“This latest incident has been reported to the Police for investigation.
“This attack is coming exactly a week after our office in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of the State was vandalized on Sunday 23rd May 2021. It is also the 8th INEC office to be attacked in Imo State since the 2019 General Election.
“The total number of INEC offices attacked nationwide since 2019 has now risen to 42.
“INEC buildings, infrastructure and equipment are critical national assets that guarantee the continuity of electoral activities throughout the federation.
“Attacking these offices is not in the national interest and has the capacity of compromising electoral activities and the credibility of the democratic process.”
Another @inecnigeria Office Set Ablaze In Imo State, South-East of Nigeria pic.twitter.com/CMKuKafXHV
— Gatekeepers News (@gatekeepers_ng) May 30, 2021
