Police operatives have killed three bandits and arrested two others for attacking the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, made this known while addressing newsmen at the police headquarters where the neutralised gunmen were paraded on Monday.

It would be recalled that gunmen, in the early hours of Monday, set part of INEC office and some vehicles in the premises ablaze.

Uzodimma said security operatives in the state were combing the nooks and crannies of Owerri for the fleeing members of the gang believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds when the police engaged them at the INEC office.

“We need to decode the motive behind the action and why INEC is the target. What is happening in Imo State is politically contrived, and justifiably so.

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“INEC does not need this type of distraction at this point and stage of our elections, rather they should be supported by all and sundry.

“Security agencies are ready, there will be elections in Imo  by the Grace of God. The enemies of our state must not succeed,” the governor said.

He assuaged the fears of the people of Imo State, assuring them of sufficient security necessary to achieve a  peaceful exercise.

On his part, the Imo State Commissioner of Police , Mohammed Barde, saidpolice officers killed three of the gunmen and arrested two  while others escaped with bullet wounds.

Barde assured Imo residents that the police were on trail of the bandits, adding that three AK47 riffles, three Pump action guns, some Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), and two vehicles were recovered from the gunmen.

The Star