OSBC
20 September, 2021
Festus Okoye, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, said election materials had been removed before the fire incident at INEC office in Awgu Local Government Area on Sunday.
In a statement made available to journalists in Enugu on Sunday, Okoye said, “Our Resident Electoral Commissioner for Enugu State, Mr. Emeka Ononamadu, reported an attack on the INEC office in Awgu Local Government Area of the state.
“The building was set ablaze this morning, Sunday, September 19, 2021, resulting in extensive damage to mainly the stores section where election materials are kept.
“Fortunately, all movable election materials had been evacuated following recent attacks on our offices in the state. There are no casualties in the incident.
“The identity or motives of attackers are unknown while the incident has been reported to the Nigeria Police Force for investigation.
“The commission appreciates the prompt response of the security agencies comprising the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as well the Enugu State Fire Service and the Awgu Local Government Neighbourhood Watch.
“This unfortunate incident is the first since the last attack on our facilities four months ago in May 2021”, he said.
When contact the Spokesperson of Enugu State Police Command, Daniel Ndukwe, who confirmed the fire incident said, “The State CID Enugu has commenced investigation to unravel the mystery behind the fire incident that occurred at INEC Office in Awgu LGA, in the early hours of today, 19th September, 2021. Further development will be communicated, please.”