How Armed Hoodlums Attacked Police Station, INEC Office in Anambra
A yet to be identified armed hoodlums on Sunday attacked the B Division Police station and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) State office both in Awka.
The arsonists set the Charge Room segment of the station and also set the collation centre as well as six operational vehicles on fire at the INEC office.
Dr Nkwachukwu Orji, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) said he could not speak on the extent of damage on its assets as it was still being assessed.
Orji confirmed that the collation centre and office block was razed.
“Our Collation Centre was burnt, part of our store and about six operational vehicles were also burnt.
“We don’t know the level of damage yet, that is why I said you should give us time.
” It is not a major damage, thank God, the police did a good job,” he said.
Orji said he would not speak on the Nov. 6 governorship election in the state as he was not in a position to do so.
On his part, CP Chris Owolabi, Commissioner of Police in Anambra said the attackers were successfully repelled by his men who demobilised and recovered the three trucks they used for the attack.
Owolabi said unlike reported, it was not a black Sunday in Awka and that Anambra was safe.
The CP commended the police operatives on duty for their alertness saying the police resistance was about 98 per cent success with no loss of single personnel.
“I want to thank God this morning that INEC building is still standing, to the glory of God and the vigilance of our men, some people had reported that it was a black Sunday in Awka.
” At about 8:pm last night, I got a call that B- division was under attack by armed hoodlums, there was a lot of gunfire and disturbances of public peace, but my men in B division defended themselves very strongly.
“An IED was thrown into the charge room and set the place on fire, we all know it was a decoy to attack INEC office, so we proceeded to INEC where we engaged the hoodlums.
“The three vehicles they came with was demobilised and recovered, that made them scamper for safety, we recovered about six pump actions, one G2 rifle and one AK47
“Investigations are still ongoing because developments are changing, so I can’t tell you specifically the number of persons that were lost, we are still searching hospitals and town and we are indeed recovering,” he said.
Unconfirmed reports say no fewer than four of the attackers fell under the superior power of the Police while others fled with gun injuries.
