Gunmen halt Continuous Voter Registration In Imo, kill INEC official  

Gunmen invaded venue of Continuous Voter Registration Exercise (CVR) conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) killing an INECC Official in Ihitte Uboma Local Government Area, Imo State. The invasion compelled the commission to suspend the registration exercise on Thursday.

The commission in a statement by the National Commissioner, Festus Okoye, indicated that the INEC staff, Nwokorie Anthony, was shot dead at Nkwo Ihitte (PU 004) in Amakohia Ward (RA 02) of Ihitte Uboma Local Government Area.

INEC declared two other officials missing after the attack at the registration centre by the gunmen.

Okoye had declared: “Prior to this incident, the Commission had suspended the CVR in Orsu and Njaba Local Government areas of the State on account of insecurity while the exercise is taking place only at the INEC LGA office in Oru East, Oru West, Orlu and Ohaji – Egbema Local Government Areas of the State.

“The Commission extends its condolences to the family of Nwokorie Anthony and prays that God will grant them the fortitude to bear the loss. The incident has been reported to security agencies to unravel the circumstances that led to this unfortunate incident and bring the culprits to justice.

“We enjoin the President General of the various Town Unions in Imo State as well as all the critical stakeholders to protect staff of the Commission engaged in national assignment. The safety and security of staff is of paramount importance to the Commission, particularly with the devolution of the voter registration exercise beyond our State and Local Government Area offices nation in our determination to serve Nigerians better.”