Imo: Hoodlums set INEC’s office ablaze, abduct workers

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, office in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State has been set ablaze by unknown arsonists.

The arsonists attacked the building undergoing renovation on Thursday.

INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Imo State, Prof. Sylvia Agu, confirmed the attack in a statement issued by the National Commissioner, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, yesterday.

“The incident occurred on Thursday, 1st December, 2022.

“The building, which is undergoing extensive renovation following an earlier attack, was vandalised and partially set ablaze,” he said.

Okoye said some of those working on the site were kidnapped but later released.

He disclosed that the timely intervention of the police deployed to the site reduced the damage.

“The damage would have been more extensive but for the quick response of the Nigeria Police which has deployed its personnel to the site.

“This is one attack too many,” he added.

INEC expressed worry over the recent attacks on its facilities across the country ahead of the 2023 general elections.

The Commission noted that such attacks have negative consequences on its preparations for 2023.