Victor EzejaThe Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State following an attack on its staff and electoral devices in the area.
According to a statement released on Thursday by INEC, its administrative secretary in Enugu, Jude Okwuonu, reported that the attack took place at about 2:30 pm on Wednesday at Community Primary School Umuopu in Umuozzi ward 19 of Igbo-Eze North LGA, where some staff of the commission were registering voters.
It said the gunshots fired by the hoodlums caused a stampede leading to one of the INEC staff sustaining injuries while two voter registration machines and other personal items were lost.
Prior to the latest attack, gunmen had set ablaze, INEC office in the LGA on July 3. Although no casualties were reported, 748 ballot boxes, 240 voting cubicles, office furniture and equipment were destroyed.
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In the statement signed by Barr. Festus Okoye, INEC national commissioner, information and voter education, the commission said, “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,” the statement reads.
“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.”
It stated that the incident has been reported to the police for investigation.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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