Police Launch Investigation As Hoodlums Attack INEC PVC Distribution Centre In Osun

-Cart Away Voter cards

The Osun State Police Command has confirmed an attack on officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at a Permanent Voter Card (PVC) distribution centre in Odo-Otin Local Government Area, where suspected hoodlums reportedly carted away voter cards.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, disrupted the ongoing distribution of PVCs ahead of the August 15 governorship election in the state.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the Command said about 10 armed hoodlums stormed the centre while INEC officials were peacefully attending to prospective voters.
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The assailants reportedly fired several gunshots into the air to disperse people before making away with three packs of PVCs and fleeing the scene.

Condemning the attack, the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, directed an immediate and comprehensive investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible.

Ojelabi said tactical and intelligence units had been deployed to track down the perpetrators and recover the stolen PVCs, assuring residents that normalcy had been restored in Odo-Otin, Ile-Ife and other parts of the state.

“The Command remains committed to the protection of lives and property. We urge members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding while anyone with useful information should report to the nearest police station or contact the Command through its emergency lines,” the statement read.

The police also warned that anyone attempting to exploit the incident to foment violence or disrupt public order would face the full weight of the law.

Meanwhile, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Osun State, Oluwatoyin Babalola, also confirmed the attack during a town hall meeting in Osogbo.

She, however, said the commission was awaiting a detailed report from its field officials to determine the exact number of PVCs stolen during the incident.
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Babalola assured residents that the incident would not derail the commission’s preparations, reaffirming INEC’s commitment to conducting a peaceful, free, fair and credible governorship election in the state.