THE Independent National Electoral Commission office in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, was attacked by gunmen early today.
The building sustained damage after being burned down with firebomb.
According to Mike Abbatam, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, who verified the incident to newsmen, three gunmen were reportedly killed, and two firebombs were found at the scene.
This is happening eight days after an attack had happened at an INEC office in the state’s Orlu Local Government Area.
In the previous four weeks, suspected hoodlums had set ablaze the commission’s offices in the states of Ebonyi, Osun, and Ogun, raising suspicions that someone was attempting to thwart the conduct of the 2023 polls.
An impeccable source however said, “This morning, gunmen launched a vociferous attack on the INEC office in Owerri, Imo State but the joint security team was able to repel them and killed three of the attackers, including their commander.
“Seven vehicles were recovered, including seven AK47 and pump action rifles. Many of the gunmen escaped with bullet wounds. But one police vehicle was burned by the hoodlums.”
But Abattam said only three AK47 rifles and vehicles were recovered.
He stated, “We killed three of the attackers and recovered three AK47 rifles and pump action guns. We also recovered two explosives and three of their vehicles.”
It was gathered that security had been beefed up in parts of Owerri, following the incident.
