INEC Official Shot Dead, 2 Missing as Gunmen Attack Southeast Voter Registration
- The continued rampage by gunmen in Imo state intensified following the death of an Independent National Electoral Commission official
- Unknown gunmen on Thursday, April 14, shot a staff of the commission at Isinweke, Ihitte/Uboma local government area
- CSP Michael Abatham, the Imo state police spokesman confirmed the incident, saying the command has already commenced an investigation
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Ihitte/Uboma, Imo state - Nwokorie Anthony, an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Imo state was shot dead by unknown gunmen on Thursday, April 14.
The Punch reports that the tragic incident occurred during the Continuous Voter Registration Exercise (CVR) in Ihitte/Uboma local government area.
Source: Facebook
An eyewitness who does not want his name to be mentioned revealed that the gunmen shot the deceased in his chest who died on the spot.
Two other officials of the electoral umpire are also missing following the death of Anthony who was in charge of the polling unit.
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Unknown gunmen numbering over 10 stormed the scene, killing one person and dispersing the crowd, Nigerian Tribune added.
They were said to be angry with the ongoing exercise by the residents of the area ahead of 2023 general election. Micheal Abattam, the police spokesperson for the command confirmed the attack.
The electoral commission has now suspended the exercise in the local government area following the murder of its staff.
This was announced in a statement issued by INEC’s national commissioner and chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye.
Insecurity: Dialogue not violence remains the solution, says Hope Uzodimma
In a previous report by Legit.ng, Governor Hope Uzodimma said dialogue remains the solution to addressing insecurity in Imo and other states of the federation.
The governor made the comment at a reception held in honour of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Professor George Obiozor at Government House, Owerri on Saturday, April 9.
He stated:
“Dialogue and not violence is the only vehicle that will lead us to our desired destination."
Governor Uzodimma vows to ensure a safer Imo state
Governor Uzodimma had earlier advocated for a renewed and collective effort by the people of Imo to stamp out violence and other forms of criminality in the state this year.
In his new year message to the people of the state, Uzodimma pledged that his administration will work in concert with the security agencies to ensure a safer Imo in 2022 and beyond.
He also pledged that his administration will this year redouble efforts to redress the infrastructural deficit it met on assumption of office.
Source: Legit.ng
