Hoodlums attack INEC Enugu Office, burn six vehicles

Hoodlums have razed six vehicles and damaged two others when they attacked Enugu State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

INEC Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye who spoke on the attack through a statement on Monday, explained that the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, reported that the attack happened on Sunday night.

He said: “Some unidentified persons overpowered the security personnel on duty around 9.00 pm and tried to set the entire building ablaze. The attention of the security agencies, as well as the Federal and State Fire Services in Enugu, was drawn to the unfolding situation and they responded swiftly.

“The attackers set the foyer ablaze, vandalised some offices in the main building and caused extensive damage to some of the Commission’s movable assets within the premises.

“Six utility pick up vehicles (Toyota Hilux) were burnt down while two more were smashed and damaged. The security agencies who were at the scene have commenced an investigation.”

INEC offices have been witnessing series of attacks by unknown persons lately with the most recent happening few days ago.

On Thursday, INEC’s office in Enugu was also involved in a fire incident. However, the remote cause of the inferno is yet unclear.

Also last week, the Commission’s office in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State was set ablaze by hoodlums on Sunday night, a week after the Commission’s Headquarters in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, was also burnt by unknown persons.

The commission has decried the spate of attacks on its facilities, noting that it portends danger to national electoral activities.

Following the ugly incidents, INEC said it would hold an emergency meeting with all Resident Electoral Commissioners across the states over attacks on its offices.