An official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Imo State, Mr. Nwokorie Anthony on Thursday was killed by unidentified gunmen while two other have been declared missing.
The victim was shot dead by the armed men during the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Ihitte Uboma Local Government Area of the state.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Imo State, Prof. Emeka Ezeonu, disclosed that Nwokorie was killed at Nkwo Ihitte (PU 004) in Amakohia Ward (RA 02) of Ihitte Uboma LGA.
Shortly after the incident, the National Commissioner of INEC and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, announced the suspension of the exercise in the LGA.
In a statement, he said: “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.
“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.”
The INEC boss advised the President General of the various town unions in the state and all stakeholders to protect staff of the commission engaged in the national assignment.
