Suspected arsonists set Imo INEC office on fire

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo, set ablaze by suspected arsonists.

They also kidnapped some construction workers who were later rescued.

The development comes days after an office of the commission was set ablaze in Ebonyi State, with electoral materials, including ballot boxes, destroyed.

The National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, said the incident happened in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo.

In a statement, he said the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Imo State, Prof. Sylvia Uchenna Agu, reported the attack.

Festus Okoye said in a statement on Friday, Dec. 2: “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.”

According to him, “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.”