Nigerian Police Thwart Attack On Electoral Office, 3 Gunmen Killed

Nigeria's police force killed three gunmen while thwarting an attack on an Electoral Commission office in Owerri, capital of Imo State.

Gunmen attacked the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (Inec) early Monday morning and destroyed parts of the building, furniture, and equipment, according to Imo State police spokesman Michael Abattam, Africa News reported.

The police force killed three attackers after an exchange of fire broke out between the two sides. They also recovered two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), three AK-47s, pump action guns, and three vehicles from the scene, according to Premium Times.

"We lost one police officer in the attack, and one (another officer) was injured. But we neutralized three of the hoodlums," Abattam added, as per the outlet.

No civilians were reportedly harmed in the attack. Police launched an investigation into the matter.

In a statement, Festus Okoye, an NEC spokesperson, confirmed no critical election materials were damaged in the attack.

"The response of the security and emergency services (the Fire Service) curtailed further damage to the building and other assets of the Commission. No critical election materials were destroyed. There were also no casualties involving staff of the Commission," Okoye said in the statement.

Okoye revealed this is the third such attack on the Commission's facilities in Imo State in less than two weeks. An INEC office located in the Orlu Local Government Area of Imo was attacked on Dec. 1 while another Oru West LGA office was targeted on Dec. 4.

"This is therefore yet another systematic attack targeted at the Commission's assets across the country, more so on the day that the collection of Permanent Voters' Cards (PVCs) commences nationwide ahead of the 2023 General Election," the statement added.

The string of attacks is potentially aimed at jeopardizing the election process and creating chaos and disorder. The attacks are also suspected to be carried out by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) group or its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), noting that it follows a pattern of similar assaults that took place in southeast Nigeria.

In another incident, the IPOB militia attacked a maternity hospital, in Nkpologwu, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, and kidnapped 4 newborn babies. President Buhari expressed anger at the actions of the gunmen and directed that the "strange incident must be solved immediately."