Unknow persons suspected to be political thugs has set Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office at Orlu Council, in Imo State, ablaze.

The incident, which happened in the wee hours of yesterday, caused serious panic and confusion in the state, as residents of the area scampered for safety.The fire, which lasted several hours without intervention from firemen, caused serious havoc and affected the nearby Orlu Council Secretariat.

It destroyed the commission’s sensitive documents and property worth millions of naira.

Confirming the incident, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of INEC in the state, Ms Emmanuella Oparah, said the inferno completely razed the entire edifice.

Describing the incident as very unfortunate, she disclosed that the commission reported the incident to the necessary quarters, including police, for onward investigations.

Police spokesperson in the state, Mr Orlando Ikeokwu, said that the Commissioner of police, Mr Bolaji Fafowora, had ordered investigation into the incident.

He added, “I can confirm the incident to you, but the cause of fire outbreak is unknown for now. The Commissioner of Police has dispatched operatives to the scene of the incident with the view of ascertaining the root of the fire.”

The incident came barely a week after suspected political thugs invaded the same office and stopped the collation of the supplementary election in Orlu/Orsu/Oru East federal constituency after tearing the result sheets.

The Guardian