The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) suspended the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Imo State’s Ihitte Uboma Local Government Area on Thursday.
According to a statement signed by INEC National Commissioner Festus Okoye, the decision was made after an INEC staff member was shot dead by gunmen.
Mr. Nwokorie Anthony, a staff member, was shot dead at Nkwo Ihitte (PU 004) in Amakohia Ward (RA 02) of Ihitte Uboma Local Government Area, according to Mr Okoye.
Two other employees from the polling unit who were involved in the registration process have also gone missing.
INEC said it was making efforts to locate their whereabouts.
“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 nation in our determination to serve Nigerians better.”
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This the most heart wrenching video I have watched in recent years.
IPOB/ESN has overstretched the patience of ndi Igbo.
How can you be killing and destroying the lives of Igbo people?
It's time for ndi Igbo to stand up against these elements. They're evil.#IstandwithNdiIgbo pic.twitter.com/G4txERfOyV— Eselu n'California ???? (@diaspora_prince) April 14, 2022
After getting your own government, won't it be worse than what we have now in Nigeria?
Who are you fighting for? pic.twitter.com/utjtlSkjtW
— Eselu n'California ???? (@diaspora_prince) April 14, 2022