Enugu: Another INEC office destroyed by fire

Another office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been involved in a fire incident, continuing a trend that has started worrying officials.

The commission's office in Obollo-Afor, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State was gutted by fire late on Thursday, May 13, 2021.

The fire was eventually extinguished by first responders who prevented it from spreading to other buildings in the area.

Police authorities believe that the fire may have been caused by a power surge due to sudden power supply to the building, but investigations are ongoing.

INEC said in a statement on Friday morning that electoral materials and office equipment were destroyed in the fire.

"The attention of the Police has been drawn to this yet another worrisome development for investigation," the commission said.

INEC office in Obollo-Afor, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State [INEC] Pulse Nigeria

The Enugu incident happened only days after INEC's office in Ohafia local government area of Abia was torched by unknown arsonists.

All electoral materials and office equipment were destroyed, but no member of staff was injured.

The incidents follow a string of similar fire outbreaks that have affected INEC offices, with arson and electrical faults usually responsible.

INEC said on Monday, May 10 that an emergency meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) will be held next week to discuss the disturbing trend.