TheCable

The office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ngor Okpuala local government area of  Imo state is currently on fire.

Suspected hoodlums were said to have invaded the place while electoral officials were collating results of the governorship and state assembly elections.

An INEC official, who preferred anonymity, told TheCable that the suspected thugs broke into the place around 2pm.

She said they overpowered the local security guard there before setting the place on fire.

“They beat up the security man, tore his uniform and took away his handset. They then blocked the road with motorcycles, but we managed to escape with the election results in our Hilux van before they set the building on fire,” she said.

Policemen later moved in and guarded the officials (pictured) to the INEC head office in Imo, where they are currently collating the results.

Francis Ezeonu, Imo resident electoral commissioner, told TheCable that the election was compromised in the area.

At least six offices of INEC have been set on fire during the 2019 general election.

Photo credit: Cleen Foundation