Some suspected hoodlums reportedly attacked an INEC PVC distribution exercise at Oyinlola DC School, Ward 2, Okuku, Osun State, on Sunday, stealing some Permanent Voter Cards.
The attack disrupted the exercise as people at the venue fled in different directions.
A resident identified as Gbadebo said the attackers entered without attracting attention before shooting into the air and heading for packs of PVCs kept near INEC officials attending to residents.
“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,” Gbadebo said.
Confirming the attack, Osun Police Command spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, condemned the incident and ordered a full investigation.
Ojelabi said tactical and intelligence assets had been deployed to identify and arrest those involved and recover the stolen PVCs.
“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,” Ojelabi said.
He urged residents and eyewitnesses with useful information to report to the nearest police station or contact the command through its emergency lines.
