Gun attack forces INEC to suspend voter registration in Enugu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State.

This was consequent upon the attack on its staff members and electoral devices in the area.

According to a statement released on Thursday by INEC, its administrative secretary in Enugu, Jude Okwuonu, reported that the attack took place about 2:30 pm on Wednesday at Community Primary School Umuopu in Umuozzi ward 19 of Igbo-Eze North LGA, where some staff members of the commission were registering voters.

It said the gunshots fired by the hoodlums caused a stampede, leading to one of the INEC staff members sustaining injuries while two voter registration machines and other personal items were lost.

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Prior to the latest attack, gunmen had set ablaze, INEC office in the LGA on July 3.

Although no casualties were reported, 748 ballot boxes, 240 voting cubicles, office furniture and equipment were destroyed.

In the statement signed by Barr. Festus Okoye, INEC national commissioner, information and voter education, the commission said, “The gunmen fired sporadically into the air to disperse registrants and registration officials. In the ensuing stampede, one of our staff sustained injuries and is receiving treatment in a hospital.

“However, two voter registration machines and personal items of the staff such as mobile phones were lost.

“Consequently, ward level registration of voters in Igboeze North is hereby suspended.

“It will be recalled that on 3rd July 2022, our office in Igboeze North Local Government Area was burnt down by unknown arsonists. In spite of the attack, the Commission was able to continue with Ward level registration with the assistance of vigilantes provided by the Local Government authority. It is one of the centres that has now been attacked.”

It stated that the incident has been reported to the police for investigation.