Gunmen on Monday morning launched an attack on the Independent National Electoral Commission office in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

Part of the building was damaged after it was torched by a firebomb.

The Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Mike Abbatam, who confirmed the incident to our correspondent, said three gunmen were killed while two firebombs were recovered from the scene.

This is happening eight days after an INEC office was attacked in the Orlu Local Government Area of the state.

Suspected hoodlums had similarly torched the commission’s offices in Ebonyi, Osun and Ogun States within the past four weeks, sparking fears that some people were plotting to derail the conduct of the 2023 elections.

The Owerri attack, which was carried out around 3am this morning, was, however, repelled as three of the perpetrators, including their commander, were gunned down.

Also, AK47 rifles and some pump action guns and eight vehicles were recovered from the hoodlums.

An impeccable source said, “This morning, gunmen launched a vociferous attack on the INEC office in Owerri, Imo State but the joint security team was able to repel them and killed three of the attackers, including their commander.

“Seven vehicles were recovered, including seven AK47 and pump action rifles. Many of the gunmen escaped with bullet wounds. But one police vehicle was burned by the hoodlums.”

But Abattam said only three AK47 rifles and vehicles were recovered.

He stated, “We killed three of the attackers and recovered three AK47 rifles and pump action guns. We also recovered two explosives and three of their vehicles.”

It was gathered that security had been beefed up in parts of Owerri, following the incident.