Anambra State Police Commissioner, Chris Owolabi said there were no police casualties in the attacks launched by hoodlums against its ‘B’ Division and the office of INEC on Sunday night in Awka.
On the contrary, he said four of the gunmen who attacked the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, were shot dead during gun-battle.
Owolabi said: “It was a 95 percent success for us on Sunday because God was on our side. The attack on our charge room at B Division was a decoy to attack INEC office
“We mobilised and waited for them. My men were in their element.
“We demobilised their three vehicles, recovered six pump action guns, one AK -47 and one General Purpose Machine Gun from them.
Burnt down: INEC collation centre in Awka
Some of the guns abandoned by the hoodlums in Awka
“It was unfortunate that they succeeded in burning collation centre of INEC and four vehicles, but it was a huge success for us. We didn’t record any casualty but investigations are still going on and after it, we give you full details.”
Owolabi spoke at a press conference in Awka Monday, according to a report monitored on Anambra Broadcasting Service(ABS).
He said policemen successfully repelled the armed hoodlums at the ‘B’ Division, although they succeeded in burning the Charge Room.
At INEC, the hoodlums also burned vehicles, the stock and collation centre.
Anambra Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Nkwachukwu Orji, who was at the press briefing said the main building of INEC is safe.
Owolabi said it was the hoodlums, who suffered great casualties.
The Commissioner said investigation is ongoing to enable the police apprehend the injured hoodlums.
He enjoined the public to provide the police with necessary information that will help their operation, especially when there is suspected movement within their area.
Owolabi further said that more information will be made available to the public on the development as the investigation continues, and commended his men for their alertness.
He said the security agencies, including the military, DSS among others are ever ready to ensure a safe and secure Anambra and advised anyone involved in any form of criminality to retrace his or her steps as Anambra is not safe for them.
