Police probes fire incident at INEC headquarters in Enugu

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mohammed Aliyu, has ordered an investigation into the fire incident at Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, headquarters in the state.

Mr Aliyu also directed a total cordon off of the premises to allow for proper investigation of the incident.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Daniel Ndukwe, said this is a statement made available to newsmen in Enugu on Monday.

Recall that fire broke out at the INEC headquarters in Enugu, located at number 1 Achi Street, Independent Layout, Enugu, on Sunday evening (May 16).

The commissioner, who raced to the scene alongside heads of other security agencies in the state also ordered the deployment of adequate security within the precincts of the INEC office complex.

He said: “Yet to be identified armed miscreants on Sunday, May 16, at about 8:30 p.m., attempted to set the Enugu Headquarters of the INEC ablaze.

“But were stiffly resisted by joint security operatives, who swiftly mobilised to the scene.

“The Enugu State Fire Service personnel that promptly responded to calls helped in quenching the fire, which had already set on five vehicles and two cushions within the office complex.’’

The commissioner, however, enjoined law-abiding residents of the state to remain vigilant and promptly volunteer useful information that would help the police in the investigation.

Meanwhile, INEC officials in the state are yet to respond to NAN inquiries over the incident as the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, his deputies and PRO did not pick their calls.

Recall that on May 13, at about 9.40 p.m. there was fire outbreak at the INEC area office located in Orba community in Udenu Local Government Area of the state.

The commissioner of police had directed for an investigation into the cause of that fire incident.

NAN