The Nigeria Police Force has accused the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and its militant wing, Eastern Security Network, ESN, of being responsible for the attack on the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Orlu West local government area of Imo State.
The spokesperson of the Imo State Police Command, Mike Abattam, who disclosed this on Sunday, said the gunmen were repelled by operatives on duty.
Mr Abbatan stated that the gunmen used improvised explosive devices, IEDs, and shot sporadically, causing some minimal damage to the facility.
“On 02/12/ 2022, at about 04:30 hours, gunmen suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) came in their numbers to the Independent National Electoral Commission office in Orlu, in the Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State.
“They threw improvised explosive devices (IEDs) into the office from outside the fence and shooting sporadically, fighting their way into the office but were repelled by the ever gallant Imo Police Command’s Tactical Teams.
“The police operatives who positioned themselves strategically and professionally, engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel and in the process, they were suppressed. Having suffered a huge defeat, with a number of them sustaining various bullet wounds, they retreated.
“In the course of the foiled attack, no life was lost and no arms or ammunition was carted away.
“The INEC main building was not affected by the explosives; only minor damage was done on the security post affected by the fire from the explosives, which were put off immediately by the police operatives.
“Meanwhile, the investigation is ongoing and efforts are on top gear to arrest the fleeing suspects since they cannot go far because of the volume of blood stains that were seen on the ground after their escape,” the statement added.
He said the CP commended the officers and men for their gallantry and urged them not to relent in their efforts until all criminal elements and their partners were apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.
The CP also appealed to the general public for their continuous support and collaboration by giving security agencies, especially the Police, credible and timely information about the activities of hoodlums.
The INEC National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, had on Sunday announced an attack on the commission’s office in the state,
Mr Okoye said the commission was informed of the attack by the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, for Imo State, Sylvia Uchenna-Agu.
The attack reportedly happened around 4.00am on Sunday.
