A police officer was amongst the three victims that lost their lives on Monday when gunmen attacked another office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Owerri, Imo State.
The attack occurred at about 2 a.m., according to reports from the Imo State capital.
The gunmen were said to have thrown an Improvised Explosive Device into the INEC facility, which destroyed several offices and vehicles parked on the premises.
However, some police operatives stationed at the commission’s office were said to have engaged the hoodlums in a shoot-out, which resulted in the death of the police officer.
The police killed three of the gunmen in the attack.
The police spokesperson in the state, Michael Abattam, confirmed the attack to the media on Monday morning.
“We lost one police officer in the attack, and one (another officer) was injured. But we neutralised three of the hoodlums,” he said.
Mr Abattam, a chief superintendent of police, said two of the gunmen were arrested and that a few others might be arrested later.
“As I speak with you, we have arrested two (gunmen). More are still coming because operatives are still combing the area to arrest other fleeing suspects,” Mr Abattam added.
Three AK-47 rifles, three pump action rifles, three sticks of dynamite, and four petrol bombs were among the items recovered from the gunmen during the operation, according to the police.
INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu had, on 29 November, said the recent attacks on its facilities will not stop the commission from conducting the 2023 general elections.
