Unknown attackers on Tuesday razed two offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Ebonyi State, marking the fourth incident of an arson attack on an INEC office in one week.
Recall that hoodlums also attacked an INEC office in Enugu State on Monday, burning about six cars though the prompt response of the security personnel preempted further damage.
It marked the third attack on the electoral umpire’s facility in the state.
Also, one of the commission’s offices in Akwa Ibom State was set ablaze by unknown persons on Sunday, May 2.
The attack was announced by Festus Okoye, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee in a statement titled ‘INEC Local Government Are Office In Akwa Ibom State Set Ablaze’.
According to the statement, the incident happened at INEC’s office in the Essien Udim Local Government Area in the state and many ballot boxes and other electoral materials were destroyed.
It read, “The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Akwa Ibom State, Mike Igini, has reported that our office in Essien Udim Local Government Area has been set ablaze.
“The incident occurred in the early hours of this morning, Sunday, May 2, 2021. Our security guard on duty escaped unhurt but the destruction to the building and properties therein was extensive. Items destroyed include 345 ballot boxes, 135 voting cubicles, mega phones, water tanks and office furniture.
“The police which have also been battling with attacks on their facilities and personnel are aware of the incident and have commenced an investigation.
“It will be recalled that on the eve of the 2019 general elections, our newly constructed prototype LGA office in Ibesikpo Asutan was burnt down while two more offices in Mpat Emin and Eastern Obolo LGAs were bombed.”
INEC offices have been witnessing a series of attacks by unknown persons lately, particularly in the South-East and South-South zones.