INEC ATTACK: 3 GUNMEN, ONE POLICEMAN DIE IN GUN BATTLE IN IMO

                                
REPORTER: CHINAZO ILECHUKWU

The police in Imo State have shot dead three suspected gunmen and arrested two others who were among a criminal gang that attacked the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) in Owerri.

The gang attacked the INEC State Headquarters in the early hours of the day, damaging some the property in the premises.

The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Command, Mr. Mohammed Barde, announced this while speaking on the attack that took place in the early hours of Monday.

Radio Nigeria gathered that the police engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel that lasted more than one hour thereby causing panic among residents of the area.

This is happening barely one week after gunmen attacked INEC office in Oru West Local Government Area of Imo State.

According to the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Barde, the gunmen who came in their numbers attacked and killed two policemen on duty at Control Post Owerri before proceeding to INEC office where they threw improvised explosive devices at the buildings thereby damaging vehicles and some of their valuables.

Mr. Barde said a combined team of security personnel mobilized and engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun battle which made the suspects, who came in four vehicles, to flee, abandoning one of their vehicles after some of them sustained fatal injuries.

Earlier, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Mike Abatam, confirmed that a policeman lost his life in the attack while another is receiving treatment in a health facility after sustaining injuries.

The State Governor Chief Hope Uzodimma, who visited the INEC office for on the spot assessment, commended security agencies for their gallantry and assured residents of the state of adequate security.

The INEC State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Professor Sylvia Agu, said the commission was yet to ascertain the extent of damage but confirmed that operational vehicles, some buildings and office equipment were affected by fire during the incident.

Meanwhile, the police, had after displaying dangerous weapons allegedly recovered from the hoodlums, said the command was on the trail of other fleeing members of the gang.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU