A Group, Global Association of Concerned Imo Youth (GACIY), have described, as gallantry and commendable, police response to the attack on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Owerri, Imo State, by suspected hoodlums on Monday.

The operatives of the state Police Command, in a gun duel with the attackers, killed three of them and were able to capture one of them.
The police operatives recovered five riffles, two vehicles, charms, improvised explosive devices, phones and money from the slain gunmen.

In a statement signed by the group’s leader, Collins Ughalaa, GACIY reiterated its support for INEC, and urged the Commission not to be deterred in its resolve to offer Nigerians credible polls in 2023.

The statement reads: “We commend gallant officers of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for foiling Monday’s attack on the state headquarters of INEC along Port Harcourt Road, Owerri.

“In the encounter, three of the armed assailants, who attacked the INEC facility, perhaps, hoping to re-enact Owerri Prison break of Easter Monday 2021, were killed by battle ready officers, while one assailant was captured alive.

“This feat negates the myth of invincibility around gunmen, who put their trust in voodoo, amulets and cannibalism. Had this attack succeeded, citizens’ confidence would have been jeopardised.

“We have also taken notice of the synergy among security agencies in the state under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma.

“While we expect bandits and their collaborators to continue to pay for their crimes, we ask youths to resist negative peer pressure and gang culture no matter the temptation.

“We stand with INEC at this hour, and urge it to remain resolute, as well as resist every attempt to subvert the elections.”