Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo says security operatives have killed three bandits and arrested two others for their involvement in the attack on the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state.
The governor said this while addressing newsmen at the police headquarters in Imo while the neutralised hoodlums were paraded.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that gunmen, on Monday, attacked the INEC office in Imo, setting part of the office complex and some vehicles in the property ablaze.
The governor said that security operatives in the state were combing the nooks and crannies of Owerri, the capital city, for the fleeing members of the gang believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds when the police engaged them at the INEC office.
“We need to decode the motive behind the action and why INEC is the target. What is happening in Imo State is politically contrived, and justifiably so.
“INEC does not need this type of distraction at this point and stage of our elections, rather they should be supported by all and sundry.
“Security agencies are ready, there will be elections in Imo by the Grace of God. The enemies of our state must not succeed,” he said.
He assuaged the fears of Imo people assuring them of sufficient security necessary to achieve a peaceful exercise.
Speaking, the Commissioner of Police in Imo, Mr Mohammed Barde, said that the Police were able to neutralize three of the gunmen and arrest two while others escaped with bullet wounds.
He assured Imo residents that the Police were on trail of the bandits adding that three AK47 riffles, three Pump action guns and some Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) as well as two vehicles were recovered from them.
NAN
