Armed political thugs on Sunday attacked a Permanent Voter Card (PVC) distribution centre in Okuku, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State, making away with several voter cards during the incident.
The attack occurred at Oyinlola DC Primary School, where officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were distributing PVCs to registered voters.
The incident caused panic among residents and prospective voters at the venue, forcing many to flee for safety after the assailants reportedly fired gunshots into the air.
A resident of the community, who identified himself simply as Gbadebo, said the attackers gained access to the distribution centre unnoticed before launching the operation.
“The incident occurred at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, Okuku, Osun State, on Sunday. Some of us were there 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 fled in different directions, and they went straight to where the INEC staff kept the PVCs and made away with some packs. The hoodlums were about eight in number,” Gbadebo said.
Meanwhile, Osun police command confirmed the attack, saying the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, had condemned the incident and ordered a full-scale investigation.
In a statement issued by the command’s spokesman, Abiodun Ojelabi, the police said tactical and intelligence teams had been mobilised to track down those responsible and recover the stolen PVCs.
He said: “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 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 a further breach of the peace.”
The police also appealed to residents and eyewitnesses with useful information that could aid the investigation to report to the nearest police station or contact the command through its emergency lines.
The command assured the public of its determination to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the recovery of the stolen voter cards.
