Voter registration suspended as gunmen attack INEC officials in Enugu

Obiora Ifoh, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has suspended Ward level registration of voters in Igboeze North after unknown gunmen, Wednesday shot at its officials while the exercise was on going.

The commission also noted that two voter registration machines and personal items of the staff such as mobile phones were lost to the attack.

In a statement by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye said that some of its staff sustained injuries but no life was lost.

The statement read, “The Administrative Secretary in Enugu State, Mr. Jude Okwuonu, reported that at about 2.30pm on Wednesday 13th July 2022 our officials involved in the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise were attacked by unknown gunmen in Community Primary School Umuopu in Umuozzi Ward 19 of Igboeze North Local Government Area.

“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.

“The incident has been reported to the Police for investigation.”