BREAKING: Hoodlums attack another INEC office in Imo

Hoodlums have vandalised another office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Imo State.

Resident Electoral Commissi oner, Prof. Sylvia Agu, said the office is in Isu Local Government Area.

It is the fourth attack on INEC facilities in the state in less than three weeks.

Previous attacks occurred in Orlu, Oru West LGAs and the state INEC headquarters.

National Commissioner, Festus Okoye, said in a statement that eight windows were smashed and burglary proofs removed in Wednesday’s attack.

“Movable and immovable equipment vas well as other materials were not removed,” INEC said.

Critical materials such as ballot boxes and voting cubicles have been evacuated to another INEC facility for safe keeping.

INEC said uncollected permanent voter cards have been secured.

Also on Wednesday, Commandant-General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Ahmed Audi, said zonal and state commanders would be held responsible for any further attacks on INEC offices and facilities.

He spoke during a meeting with the commanders in Abuja.

Audi said: “We have credible intelligence reports that some dangerous groups are now in town wearing uniforms to unleash terror on the people.

“Some are targeting INEC facilities, materials and infrastructures in order to make the conduct of the 2023 general elections difficult.

“They used bread soaked in petrol and gas, light them up and throw them at INEC infrastructures and offices. Somebody somewhere must see them.

“Our duty henceforth is to prevent this criminality and bring those behind them to justice before they achieved their aims.

“We must work with the police and other security agencies to stop further attacks on INEC infrastructures.

“You will be held responsible henceforth in case of any further attacks on INEC facilities.”