HOODLUMS ATTACK INEC HEADQUARTERS AND POLICE B DIVISION IN AWKA

Reporter : UCHE NDEKE

The Anambra State head office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was on Sunday attacked by some yet to be identified hoodlums.

The incident, which took place at about 8:30pm, caused heavy panic and pandemonium amongst residents, who scampered for safety following heavy gun shots, which lasted for hours.

An eye-witness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, narrated that the hoodlums numbering over eighty, invaded the area, attacking the Police B Division, before proceeding to the INEC office.

Seven utility vehicles and INEC store where generators and other items were kept were set on fire by the hoodlums.

Confirming the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Mr. Chris Owolabi, said the Command repelled the attack, thereby preventing the hoodlums from completing their mission.

He said investigation was had commenced to ascertain the total number of casualties recorded during the gunfire.

Mr. Owolabi said about six pump actions, Improved Explosive Device (IED) and other items were recovered from the hoodlums while the three Hilux vehicles, which they came with were demobilized.

The Commissioner of Police asked residents to go about their lawful business without any fear, as the security operatives were on top of the situation and would win the war.

The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr. Nkwachukwu Orji, confirmed that the hoodlums set the Pavilion and store ablaze and promised to make the extent of the damage public soon.

He however said the damage was not huge and commended the police and other security agencies for their swift response to the onslaught.