Gunmen set INEC office ablaze in Anambra

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has express worry over incessant attacks on its facilities weeks to the 2023 general election.

A statement by the National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee Mr Festus Okoye indicates that INEC office in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State was attacked and set ablaze by unknown gunmen.

It states that the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Anambra State, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu says that the incident occurred on Wednesday 1st February 2023.

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According to the statement, the building was substantially damaged, all furniture and other items were destroyed, including non-sensitive materials recently delivered in readiness for the 2023 General Election.

It further explains that among the items lost to the inferno are 729 ballot boxes, 243 voting cubicles, 256 election bags, 11 megaphones, 1 electric power generator and large quantities of indelible ink and liquid gum.

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It however states that uncollected Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) kept in the fireproof cabinet were not affected by the inferno and that no sensitive materials have been delivered to the LGA office.

It reports that the destruction appears to have been coordinated as the Nnobi Police Station in the LGA was similarly attacked.

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It added that despite this despicable incident, the Commission wishes to reassure the people of Idemili South LGA that contingency arrangement will be made to replace the materials and the Presidential and National Assembly elections will proceed on 25th February 2023 as scheduled, to be followed two weeks later by the State House of Assembly election. (RN)