Unknown gunmen in the early hours of Wednesday attacked the office of the Independence National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the Idemili South Local Government of Anambra state.

The gunmen also reportedly attacked the Nnobi Police Station in the LGA which is said to be linked to the INEC office attack.

This was announced in a statement by the Chairman and National Commissioner of the Information and Voters Education Committee of INEC, Festus Okoye, on Wednesday.

The statement reads,” The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Anambra State, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, reported that our office in Idemili South Local Government Area (LGA) was attacked and set ablaze by unknown gunmen. The incident occurred in the early hours of today Wednesday 1st February 2023.

“The building was substantially damaged. All furniture and other items were destroyed including non-sensitive materials recently delivered in readiness for the 2023 General Election. Among the items lost to the inferno are 729 ballot boxes, 243 voting cubicles, 256 election bags, 11 megaphones, 1 electric power generator, and large quantities of indelible ink and liquid gum.

READ ALSO: LASG Condemns Truck Accidents, Set To Start Prosecuting Drivers

“However, uncollected Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCS) kept in the fireproof cabinet were not affected by the inferno. Similarly, no sensitive materials have been delivered to the LGA office.

“The destruction appears to have been coordinated as the Nnobi Police Station in the LGA was similarly attacked.”

The chairman however assured that the elections would still hold despite the attack.

“Despite this despicable incident, the Commission wishes to reassure the people of Idemili South LGA that contingency arrangement will be made to replace the materials and the Presidential and National Assembly elections will proceed on 25th February 2023 as scheduled, to be followed two weeks later by the State House of Assembly election,” he said.