Michael Onwuka, Enugu
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says no fewer than 748 ballot boxes and 240 voting cubicles were destroyed at its office in Igboeze North Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The INEC National Electoral Commissioner for Information and Voter Education, Mr Festus Okoye, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
Recall that the INEC office in the area was reportedly set ablaze by unknown arsonists at 11:48pm on July 3, 2022.
The arsonists reportedly overpowered the security guards and made their way into the premises before setting the building ablaze.
However, Okoye said that though no life was lost in the process, some valuables were destroyed in spite of the spirited efforts of Fire Service officers from Nsukka.
“The commission is working to ascertain the status of voter registration machines for the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) as well as uncollected Permanent Voter’s Cards locked up in the fireproof cabinet.
“The incident has been reported to the Nigeria Police for investigation and further action,” he said.
According to Okoye, the attack coming in the middle of the CVR and other preparations for the 2023 general election is worrisome.
“It will be recalled that on May 23, 2021, our office in neighbouring Igboeze South Local Government Area of the state was attacked in a similar manner by unknown gunmen.
“This followed earlier attacks on Udenu Local Government Area office in the state on May 13, 2021 and the INEC State Headquarters in Enugu on May 16, 2021.
“The commission has since substantially recovered from these attacks and resumed normal activities there, including the CVR and collection of PVCs,” he said.
Okoye said that the commission would continue to work with the security agencies and the emergency services to protect facilities belonging to INEC.
