Suspected hoodlums attacked an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Permanent Voter Card (PVC) distribution centre in Okuku, Osun State, on Sunday. The attack disrupted the exercise and forced many residents to flee. The suspects also carted away packs of PVCs.
The incident happened at Oyinlola DC Primary School in Ward 2, Odo-Otin Local Government Area. Many residents had gathered at the centre to collect their voter cards before the attackers struck.
Witness recounts attack
A resident, identified simply as Gbadebo, said the hoodlums entered the premises quietly before firing gunshots into the air. As a result, panic spread across the venue. Many people ran for safety, while the attackers headed straight for the PVC collection point.
The incident occurred at Oyinlola DC School, Ward 2, Okuku, Osun State, on Sunday. Some of us were around to collect our PVCs, and I can’t say when those hoodlums got into the premises.
They shot into the air and disrupted the exercise. Some of us around fled in different directions, and they went straight to where those INEC staff put the PVCs and made away with some packs.
The hoodlums involved are about eight in number.”***
Police begin investigation
Meanwhile, the Osun State Police Command confirmed the attack and condemned the actions of the suspects.
Police spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi said Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan had ordered a full investigation. He also directed officers to identify, arrest and prosecute everyone involved.
In addition, the command deployed tactical and intelligence teams to recover the stolen PVCs and track the suspects.
Some officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Osun State, who were peacefully distributing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, Odo-Otin Local Government Area, were attacked by about 10 armed thugs.
The hoodlums reportedly fired sporadically into the air and carted away with three packs of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
The Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, has condemned the incident in its entirety and has directed a comprehensive investigation with a view to identifying, arresting, and prosecuting all those responsible.
The command reiterates its unwavering commitment to professionalism and strict adherence to the rule of law in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
Members of the public are urged to remain calm, law-abiding, and refrain from any action capable of causing further breach of the peace.
Police seek information
Furthermore, Ojelabi appealed to residents and eyewitnesses to support the investigation. He urged anyone with useful information to report to the nearest police station or contact the command through its emergency lines.
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