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Suspected hoodlums have reportedly raided a Permanent Voter Card (PVC) distribution centre at Oyinlola DC Primary School in Okuku, Osun State, carting away packs of voter cards.
Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were distributing PVCs when the attack occurred on Sunday.
A resident told The Punch that the hoodlums stormed the premises, fired shots into the air and fled with packs of PVCs that had been kept beside INEC officials attending to prospective voters.
“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,” the resident said.
The spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the incident, saying the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, had condemned the attack and ordered a full investigation.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
He appealed to residents and eyewitnesses with credible information that could assist the investigation to report promptly to the nearest police station or contact the command through its emergency lines.
