Enugu INEC HQ set ablaze by ‘hoodlums’ — second incident in four days

The headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Achi Street, Independence Layout, Enugu, has been set ablaze by hoodlums.

The fire incident comes three days after the INEC office in Obollo-Afor, Udenu LGA of the state was razed.

Mohammed Aliyu, the state commissioner of police who confirmed the incident, said the fire outbreak occurred on Sunday night.

“Yet to be identified armed miscreants on Sunday, May 16, at about 8:30 p.m., attempted to set the Enugu Headquarters of the INEC ablaze but were stiffly resisted by joint security operatives, who swiftly mobilised to the scene,” Aliyu said.

“The Enugu State Fire Service personnel that promptly responded to calls helped in quenching the fire, which had already set on five vehicles and two cushions within the office complex.”

The CP ordered the deployment of adequate security within the precincts of the INEC office complex. He also ordered an investigation into the incident.

Okwudili Ohaa, chief fire officer of the state, said the timely intervention of the fire service saved the INEC headquarters from burning down completely.

Ohaa said five INEC operational vehicles were completely burnt and one was partially burnt.

He added that the firefighters were able to put out the fire by 10:30pm.

“Our timely intervention saved INEC headquarters Enugu from burning completely,” Ohaa said.

“We were able to quench the fire immediately as it tried to spread to the main building of the INEC Headquarters.

“It only gutted two seats, probably visitors’ seats at the corridors upstairs.”

The offices of the commission in Akwa Ibom and Abia were also razed earlier in the month.