INEC suspends voter registration in Imo LG as gunmen  invade CVR centre, kill official

 

 

.IPOB, ESN not behind security crisis in South East, IPOB insists

By Pamela Eboh Awka  and Obiora Ifoh, Abuja

 

Unknown gunmen on Thursday shot a staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during a Continuous Voter Registration Exercise (CVR) exercise in Ihitte Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State.

The National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Barrister Festus Okoye Esq who disclosed this assault in a press statement in Abuja on Thursday also said that the commission has also suspended the exercise.

According to him, the suspension is sequel to a report by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Professor Emeka Ezeonu, to the effect on 14th of April 2022.

The report said one Mr. Nwokorie Anthony, a staff of the Imo State office of the Commission involved in the ongoing CVR exercise, was shot dead by unknown gunmen at Nkwo Ihitte (PU 004) in Amakohia Ward (RA 02) of Ihitte Uboma Local Government Area.

The REC further reported that the State Office is making efforts to locate the whereabouts of the two remaining staff involved in the registration exercise.

Prior to this incident, the Commission had suspended the CVR in Orsu and Njaba Local Government areas of the State on account of insecurity while the exercise is taking place only at the INEC LGA office in Oru East, Oru West, Orlu and Ohaji – Egbema Local Government Areas of the State.

The Commission extended its condolences to the family of Nwokorie Anthony and prays that God will grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

The INEC National Commissioner informed that the incident has been reported to security agencies to unravel the circumstances that led to this unfortunate incident and bring the culprits to justice.

The Commission enjoined the President General of the various Town Unions in Imo State as well as all the critical stakeholders to protect staff of the Commission engaged in national assignment.

Barrister Okoye added that the safety and security of staff is of paramount importance to the Commission, particularly with the devolution of the voter registration exercise beyond our State and Local Government Area offices nation in the determination to serve Nigerians better.

 

Meanwhile, The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB has absolved itself and the Eastern Security Network, ESN of being behind the criminal activities of agents of darkness going on in Anambra other neighouring states.

 

IPOB in a statement by its media and publicity secretary, Emma Powerful describsd its members as civilised people that never involve itself in the barbarities going on in southeast.

 

The group insisted that anybody linking IPOB or ESN with the devilish activities is a blackmailer.

 

It added, “We want to inform the world that IPOB and the Eastern Security Network, ESN members had no hands in the attacks contrary to baseless allegations by our enemies. We are not involved in the criminal activities of agents of darkness in our land.

 

“IPOB is not unknown gunmen and we cannot be. We are only after our mandate which is to protect our commuunities, bushes and farms against the jihadists masquerading as Fulani herdsmen killing, maiming and raping our mothers, wives and sisters going to farms. IPOB will not tolerate such nonsense anymore.

 

“It is now clear to all that the Fulani bandits are out to eliminate every single individual or group in Southern Kaduna. Yet the Governor is  still looking for excuses instead of going after terrorists and bandits killing his subjects.

 

“We therefore, urge Middle Belt  particularly the people of Southern Kaduna, Jos and people of Nasarawa youths who allowed their parents and children to be slaughtered like chicken.

 

“These youths must understand that the Nigeria Government headed by Fulani man, patron of Miyetti Allah is not ready to checkmate the activities of the Fulani jihadists wiping out indigenous owners of the land. The Government is happy because the agents of death are actualising their evil mandate.”

 

IPOB urged the youths to come out and defend their land, noting that if tgey fail, Fulani terrorists masquerading as bandits will finish them.

 

“They already know that Biafran youths won’t allow them any breeding ground in our territory. All indigenous Communities in Nigeria must unite against these vampires now.

 

“We should not allow them to succeed in their evil mission. They know that time is running out on them that is why they are on the prowl again.”