Again, INEC office in Imo State attacked, set ablaze; 3 workers abducted, released

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that one of its offices in Imo State has been attacked and set ablaze by yet to be identified persons.

The Commission, in a statement by Festus Okoye Esq., its National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, said the incident took place on Thursday, December 1, 2022, and involved its office in Orlu Local Government Area.

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State was the Senator representing Orlu Senatorial zone before he became Governor of the state.

The INEC statement, which noted that the attacked building was “undergoing extensive renovation following an earlier attack,” said that “three out of seven construction workers were abducted but later released.”

 Full text of the statement reads:

ATTACK ON INEC OFFICE IN ORLU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF IMO STATE

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Imo State, Professor Sylvia Uchenna Agu, reported that our office in Orlu Local Government Area was attacked. The incident occurred yesterday Thursday 1st December 2022.

The building, which is undergoing extensive renovation following an earlier attack, was vandalised and partially set ablaze.

Three out of seven construction workers were abducted but later released.

The damage would have been more extensive but for the quick response of the Nigeria Police which has deployed its personnel to the site.

This is one attack too many. The Commission once again expresses its concern over the spate of attacks on its facilities and the negative consequences on our preparations for the 2023 General Election.

Festus Okoye Esq.
National Commissioner & Chairman
Information and Voter Education Committee
Friday 2nd December 2022