UGM burn down INEC, NDLEA offices in Abia under 24 hours

The wanton attacks continue to question the capacity of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to protect lives and properties.

Chukwuemeka Ayomide • May 11, 2021

The office of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Amaekpu Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia state has been set ablaze in what seems to be a sustained campaign against security agencies by unknown gunmen.

The fresh attack comes barely 24 hours after an attack on the INEC office in the same local government area.

DailyTrust reports that the state NDLEA commandant, Akingbade Bamidele, said no casualty was recorded during the attack that occurred in the early hours of Tuesday.

The recurring pattern of attacks on government facilities in the South-South and South-East region have continued to raise concern on the general safety of citizens who may be caught in the crossfire between the attackers and the security operatives.

The wanton attacks continue to question the capacity of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to protect lives and properties in the region and the country at large.

Governors of the southern states met in Asaba, Delta State on Monday to deliberate on the worsening security situation plaguing the region. The gathering rose to demand that Mr Buhari address the nation on the challenges among other resolutions.

Peoples Gazette had last week reported how the INEC office in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State was also set on fire.

In April, The Gazette reported an attack on Imo governor Hope Uzodinma’s country home in Omuma, Oru East local government of the state.

Former police inspector general Mohammed Adamu accused the proscribed Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) of carrying out the deadly campaigns.

The group vowed to deal with Mr Uzodinma following the killing of its commander Ikonso by state forces in April.

The growing attacks on states across the country have forced more governors to re-emphasise the clamour for state policing.

Last week, Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba advised Mr Buhari to allow governors to experiment with state police to address the country’s security challenges.

According to Mr Ishaku, the primary responsibility of any democratic government is to secure the people and their property.

He added that governors were going through challenges and were helpless in dealing with insecurity as they have no power over security assets.

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