Gunmen attacked the Imo State headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, located along Port Harcourt road in Owerri.

The attack which was carried out around 3 am on Monday, December 12, 2022, was, however, repelled as three of the perpetrators, including their commander, were gunned down.

Vehicles, offices, and parts of the building were set ablaze by the hoodlums.

The Public Relations Officer, PRO, Chinenye Chijioke-Osuji, who confirmed the development said only the building of the Election and Political Party Monitoring Liason and part of the main building were attacked.

“It happened. You can come and see things for yourself. Not all the offices were attacked but one side was completely down. The Election and Political Party Monitoring Liason, building was attacked and part of the main building,” she said.

Spokesperson of the State Police Command, Mike Abbatam, who confirmed the incident said three of the gunmen were killed.

Abattam said the gunmen numbering over 10 came around 3 am with petrol bombs and dynamite.

He, however, said the hoodlums were confronted by security operatives who repelled the attack and killed three of the attackers.

Abattam also said one of the attackers was arrested by the police and three vehicles used by hoodlums were recovered.

“We killed three of the attackers and recovered three AK47 rifles and pump action guns. We also recovered two explosives and three of their vehicles,” he added.