The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has suspended the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Ihitte Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State.
INEC suspended the exercise after an INEC personnel was killed by gunmen, according to the statement released by the commission.
According to the statement signed by Festus Okoye INEC National Commissioner, the worker, Mr. Nwokorie Anthony, was shot dead by unknown gunmen at Nkwo Ihitte (PU 004) in Amakohia Ward (RA 02) of Ihitte Uboma Local Government Area. The whereabouts of the two other members of staff involved in the registration exercise are unknown. The commission said it is making efforts to locate them.
“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,” Mr Okoye said.
“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 in our determination to serve Nigerians better.”
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.