Gunmen raze 729 ballot boxes, 256 election bags in Anambra INEC office

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed an attack on its office in Ojoto, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The Star had reported that the INEC office was attacked in the early hours of Wednesday.

The gunmen, who also attacked the Nnobi Police Station and a residential building in the station, killed a 16-year-old boy who is a relative of a policeman.

Speaking on the incident via a statement issued on Wednesday by the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, the electoral umpire noted that the commission’s building was set ablaze by the assailants.

READ ALSO: One killed as gunmen attack INEC office, police station in Anambra

Okoye disclosed that all furniture and other items were destroyed in the attack, including non-sensitive materials recently delivered in readiness for the 2023 general election.

He listed the items lost to the inferno to include 729 ballot boxes, 243 voting cubicles, 256 election bags, 11 megaphones, 1 electric power generator, and large quantities of indelible ink and liquid gum.

“However, uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) kept in the fireproof cabinet were not affected by the inferno. Similarly, no sensitive materials have been delivered to the LGA office.

“The destruction appears to have been coordinated as the Nnobi Police Station in the LGA was similarly attacked.

“Despite this despicable incident, the Commission wishes to reassure the people of Idemili South LGA that contingency arrangement will be made to replace the materials and the Presidential and National Assembly elections will proceed on 25th February 2023 as scheduled, to be followed two weeks later by the State House of Assembly election,” the INEC official added.

The Star