Unidentified gunmen have yet again set a newly completed office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) located at Okwudor community in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo, ablaze, making the 42nd attacked office since 2019.

INEC confirmed that the arson took place at about 11:30 a.m. on Sunday.

A communique signed by INEC spokesman Festus Okoye noted that no life was lost as a result of the attack.

“Although no life was lost, the building was substantially burnt down, along with electoral materials, office equipment, and furniture,” he said. “The latest incident has been reported to police for investigation.”

Mr Okoye noted that the total number of INEC offices attacked nationwide since 2019 has now risen to 42.

“INEC buildings, infrastructure, and equipment are critical national assets that guarantee the continuity of electoral activities throughout the federation,” he said.

Mr Okoye concluded that attacking these offices is not in the national interest and has the capacity of compromising electoral activities and the credibility of the democratic process.

The attack is coming exactly a week after the INEC office in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of the state was vandalised. It is also the 8th INEC office to be attacked in Imo State since the 2019 General Election.