Hoodlums Set INEC Headquarters On Fire

• “We were able to quench the fire immediately as it tried to spread to the main building of the INEC Headquarters”

The headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Achi Street, Independence Layout, Enugu, was set ablaze by hoodlums on Sunday.

The fire incident is second in three days after the INEC office in Obollo-Afor, Udenu LGA of the state was razed.

Ekohotblog reports that Mohammed Aliyu, the state commissioner of police  confirmed the incident, saying the fire outbreak occurred on Sunday night.

He said the arsonists were repelled by gallant security operatives who rushed to the scene to fend off the attackers.

“Yet to be identified armed miscreants on Sunday, May 16, at about 8:30 p.m., attempted to set the Enugu Headquarters of the INEC ablaze but were stiffly resisted by joint security operatives, who swiftly mobilised to the scene,” Aliyu said.

“The Enugu State Fire Service personnel that promptly responded to calls helped in quenching the fire, which had already set on five vehicles and two cushions within the office complex.”

The CP ordered the deployment of adequate security within the precincts of the INEC office complex. He also ordered an investigation into the incident.

Okwudili Ohaa, chief fire officer of the state, said the prompt intervention of the fire service prevented the INEC headquarters from burning down completely.

READ ALSO: INEC To Hold Emergency Meeting Over Incessant Attacks On Facilities

Ohaa said five INEC operational vehicles were completely burnt and one was partially burnt.

He added that the firefighters were able to put out the fire by 10:30pm.

“Our timely intervention saved INEC headquarters Enugu from burning completely,” Ohaa said.

“We were able to quench the fire immediately as it tried to spread to the main building of the INEC Headquarters.

“It only gutted two seats, probably visitors’ seats at the corridors upstairs.”

The offices of the commission in Akwa Ibom and Abia were also razed earlier in the month