Usman Baba, the inspector-general of police (IGP), has given an order for the relocation of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices in Ebonyi state to safer environment due to incessant attacks.
Speaking on Friday while addressing personnel of the force as part of activities marking his visit to the state, Baba directed officers in Ebonyi state to ensure the attacks on INEC offices cease immediately.
Several INEC offices have recently been attacked by hoodlums, leading to the destruction of permanent voters cards, ballot boxes, and other materials.
In November, 340 ballot boxes, 130 voting cubicles, and 14 electric power generators were destroyed when INEC’s office in Iboko, Izzi LGA of Ebonyi state, was set ablaze.
The IGP said it is the primary responsibility of the police to provide security at INEC offices across the state before and after the forthcoming elections.
“The mode of attacks by these hoodlums is complex because they throw bombs and dynamites, among others, from distances,” NAN quoted him as saying.
“We believe that in addition to providing physical security at the INEC offices, you should liaise with its officials on providing offices for our personnel.
“Existing INEC offices across the state should be relocated to safer places if possible, but if not, important materials should be relocated to safer places.
“I appreciate all your efforts to protect lives and properties in Ebonyi and the various assistance of the state government to the force.”
Speaking further, Baba said the activities of the Ebube Agu security outfit in the state should be regulated by the police.
“There is a law establishing the outfit and I am sure that its responsibilities fall under the supervision of the police,” he said.
“There is no problem with the outfit wearing uniforms because even community police officers wear uniforms.
“They must, however, have proper means of identification and it should be reiterated that the task of policing is everyone’s business.”
Aliyu Garba, the commissioner of police in Ebonyi, thanked the IGP for the visit and promised that the police would redouble its efforts to secure the lives and properties of the citizens.
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