Usman Baba, the inspector-general of police (IGP), has
directed the police personnel in Ebonyi to ensure the attacks on the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices cease immediately.
Baba said this on Friday while addressing personnel of the
force as part of activities marking his visit to the state.
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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