The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says that 729 ballot boxes were burnt in an attack on its office in Idemili South in Anambra state.
Other items that were destroyed at the INEC office include 243 voting cubicles, 256 election bags, 11 megaphones, etc in the inferno.
In a statement on Wednesday the electoral body explained that the attack will not halt the planned 2023 elections.
“The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Anambra State, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, reported that our office in Idemili South Local Government Areas (LGA) was attacked and set ablaze by unknown gunmen. The incident occurred in the early hours of today Wednesday, 1st February 2023,” INEC’s Festus Okoye said in a statement.
“The building was substantially damaged. All furniture and other items were destroyed, including non-sensitive materials recently delivered in readiness for the 2023 General Election. Among the items lost to the inferno are 729 ballot boxes, 243 voting cubicles, 256 election bags, 11 megaphones, one electric power generator and large quantities of indelible ink and liquid gum.
“However, uncollected Permanent Voter’ Cards (PVC) kept in the fireproof cabinet were not affected by the inferno. Similarly, no sensitive materials have been delivered to the LGA office.
“The destruction appears to have been coordinated as the Nnobi Police Station in the LGA was similarly sacked.
“Despite this despicable incident, the Commission wishes to reassure the people of Idemili South LGA that contingency arrangement will be made to replace the materials and the Presidential and National Assembly elections will proceed on 25th February 2023 as scheduled, to be followed two weeks after by the Sate House of Assembly election,” INEC said.
