Anambra: Bullets rain in Awka as gunmen burn INEC headquarters, sack police station
Unknown gunmen unleashed mayhem on Anambra state on Sunday, the police have confirmed.
The assailants targeted the state headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and a police division in Awka, the state capital.
State police spokesperson Ikenga Tochukwu confirmed the attacks but said he had scanty information on the development.
“Please, I will get back to you as soon as I get the full details,” Punch, on Monday morning, quoted him to have said.
The gunmen had around 9pm on Sunday invaded B Division Police Station and the INEC office in Awka.
Some police officers were feared dead in the attack.
It was gathered the gunmen invaded the area in three Hilux vehicles.
Residents reported hearing multiple gunshots during the attacks which some said lasted for about two hours.
“The gunmen set the police station and the INEC office ablaze,” an eyewitness said.
“It was followed by what looks like mass robbery in the area with gunshots everywhere.
“They fired shots for more than one hour before leaving B Division Police Station.
“They then stopped at Ekwueme Square and shot for about 10 minutes before proceeding to the INEC Office which they set on fire.”
The attacks signalled another episode of insecurity in the South-East with INEC warning that repeated assaults on its facilities could ruin the 2023 general elections.
