The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters along Owerri-Port Harcourt road in Imo state came under heavy bombardment by gunmen in the early hours of Monday, December 12.
The gunmen threw grenades through the commission’s fence, destroying several offices and vehicles parked in the premises, The Punch reports.
This development was confirmed by the Imo state police public relations officer, Mike Abbatam, on Monday morning.
Abattam said that three gunmen were killed, while two firebombs were recovered from the scene.
This is happening eight days after an INEC office was attacked in the Orlu local government rea of the state.
In addition, suspected hoodlums had similarly torched the commission’s offices in Ebonyi, Osun and Ogun states within the past four weeks, sparking fears that some people were plotting to derail the conduct of the 2023 general elections.
The Owerri attack, which was carried out around 3 am on Monday morning, was, however, repelled as three of the perpetrators, including their commander, were killed.
Also, AK-47 rifles and some pump action guns and eight vehicles were recovered from the gunmen.
A source said that, “Some 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 among the invaders.
“Seven vehicles were recovered, including seven AK-47 and pump action rifles.
“Many of the gunmen escaped with bullet wounds. However police vehicle was burned by the gunmen.”
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