Trending Story

Again, defiant gunmen attack another INEC office in Southeast, kill policeman

230

Gunmen on Sunday night launched yet another deadly attack on lndependent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in the Southeast, this time on Enugu South Local Government Area facility.

One of the two policemen deployed to secure the facility, however, lost his life in the attack.

INEC’s National Commissioner for Information, Mr Festus Okoye, said but for the swift response of the Police and Army personnel from the 82 Division who repelled the attack, the gunmen would have gained access to the main building and possibly raze it.

He said the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Chukwuemeka J. Chukwu, had reported that the attack occurred on Sunday, January 15 at about 9:12pm.

“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 the 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,” Okoye said in a statement obtained by Persecondnews on Monday in Abuja.

The commissioner, however, restated the commission’s resolve to continue with preparation towards the general elections in Enugu State and the entire country as scheduled.

“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.”

Persecondnews had reported that INEC Chairman, Prof. Mamood Yakubu had warned that the 2023 election might be postponed or cancelled if the worsening insecurity is not contained.

The commission called on various security agencies at the Validation of Election Security Training Resources in Abuja last week Monday, to come up with security strategies to protect electoral officials, sensitive materials, as well as the general public.

But the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed and the Department of State Service (DSS), ostensibly on the prompting of President Muhammadu Buhari, had responded, assuring that the February 25 and March 11 polls will be held as scheduled as adequate security would be provided across the country.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Emirship crisis: Kano govt. allocates N99.9m for Nassarawa mini-palace renovation

In response to the court’s order reinstating him, the Kano State Government...

Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves up by 5 percent to $33.58bln

Nigeria’s foreign exchange (FX) reserves have increased by five percent in the...

Billionaire philanthropist Tony Elumelu mulls buying NPFL team

As part of his corporate social responsibility, billionaire banker and philanthropist Tony...

Terry G speaks on Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy rivalries, faces backlash from fans

Nigerian music sensation Terry G, also known as the Apako master, has...

Dani Alves pays €1m bail, set to leave Spanish jail

Former Brazil and Barcelona star Dani Alves, convicted of rape in Spain,...

World TB Day: 70 percent of TB cases in Africa now being diagnosed and treated – WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) has disclosed that about 70 percent of...

13th AAG: Tobi Amusan wins gold in women’s 100m hurdles

The Nigerian sprint star, Tobi Amusan, won gold in the women’s 100m...

FG approves N12.7bln for mass metering of army barracks nationwide

The Federal Government says it has released N12.7 billion to provide electricity...

Women’s Day: Tinubu felicitates women, vows to prioritise their welfare, rights

President Bola Tinubu has promised to prioritize the welfare of women, protect...

All African Games: Nigeria’s Flying Eagles start their campaign on a losing note

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria started their campaign in the men’s football...

EFCC sets up task force to combat dollarization of economy, mutilation of naira

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced the setting up...

How Bafarawa diverted N4.6bln from ex-NSA for prayers, election, acquire luxury vehicles

A startling revelation has been made about how a former governor of...

CBN redeploys 1,500 staff to Lagos

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says it has redeployed 1,500 staff...

AFCON: Pres. Tinubu says unimpressed with Super Eagles’ performance

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his displeasure over the performance of the...

I’ve not met a man kind enough to marry —Ini Edo

In a candid revelation, renowned actress, Ini Edo, has hinted about the...

Ogun CP visits shot Nollywood actor, Ijaduade, vows to punish trigger-happy cop

Nollywood actor and Director, Azeez Ijaduade, who was shot “accidentally” by a...

Breaking: Actor, Azeez Ijaduade, allegedly shot by policeman in Ogun

In a shocking incident that has sent shock waves to Yoruba section...

Fast and furious actor, Vin Diesel, accused of sexual assault

Vin Diesel, known for his role in the Fast & Furious Series,...

Anyone asking for money this festive season lacks conscience, fear God – Comedian AY

Amid Nigeria’s challenging economic downturn, renowned comedian, Ayo Makun, popularly known as...

Octogenarian actor, Dejumo Lewis, dies

Nollywood community was on Friday night thrown into grief as the news...