Juliana Francis
A yet-to-be-identified policeman was killed and his colleague injured when gunmen attacked the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) office in Enugu South Local Government Area, on Sunday night.
According to a press statement signed by National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC, Festus Okoye Esq, the deceased and wounded policemen were among those deployed to protect the facility.
Okoye explained that the security gatehouse of the INEC’s Office was razed. Still, the attackers could not gain access to the main building as a result of the rapid response from the Police and Army personnel from 82 Division.
He further stated thus: “The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Enugu State, Dr. Chukwuemeka J. Chukwu, has reported that our office in Enugu South Local Government Area was attacked by unknown gunmen. The incident occurred around 9:12 pm yesterday, Sunday 15th January 2023.
“The security gatehouse was razed. Fortunately, the attackers could not gain access to the main building as a result of the rapid response from the Police and Army personnel from 82 Division.
“The State Commissioner of Police and the REC were personally at the scene immediately after they received information about the attack. Of the two Policemen deployed to protect the facility, one of them lost his life while the other sustained injuries and is receiving treatment. The Commission prays for the repose of the soul of the deceased policeman and the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Okoye said that the attack was being investigated by the security agencies. He also mentioned that a meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) in Enugu State co-chaired by the REC and the Commissioner of Police had been convened to discuss the latest incident and additional design strategies for fortifying the offices and protecting the personnel and materials.
“Meanwhile, the destroyed gatehouse will be rebuilt, and the Commission is proceeding with its preparations for the 2023 General Election in Enugu State and the entire country as scheduled,” said Okoye.
