Gunmen attack INEC officials during voter registration in Enugu

Unknown gunmen have attacked some officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at a polling unit in Enugu State where the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) was being held.

The INEC officials were attacked by the gunmen at Community Primary School Umuopu in Umuozzi Ward 19, Igboeze North Local Government Area of Enugu State on Wednesday.

The incident was confirmed via a statement issued on Thursday by the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye.

Okoye disclosed that one of the commission’s officials was injured in the attack, noting that the official was receiving treatment in a hospital.

He noted that the ward level registration of voters in Igboeze North has been suspended with immediate effect.

Okoye stated: “Administrative Secretary in Enugu State, Mr. Jude Okwuonu, reported that at about 2.30pm on Wednesday 13th July 2023, our officials involved in the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise were attacked by unknown gunmen in Community Primary School Umuopu in Umuozzi Ward 19 of Igboeze North Local Government Area.

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“The gunmen fired sporadically into the air to disperse registrants and registration officials. In the ensuing stampede, one of our staff sustained injuries and is receiving treatment in a hospital.

“However, two voter registration machines and personal items of the staff such as mobile phones were lost.

“Consequently, Ward level registration of voters in Igboeze North is hereby suspended,” he said.

Okoye further stated that the incident has been reported to the police for investigation.

It would be recalled that gunmen, on July 3, 2022, razed INEC office in Ogboeze North Local Government Area of Enugu State.

In spite of the attack, the commission was able to continue with ward level registration with the assistance of security operatives.

The Star