Hoodlums reportedly attacked a ward collation centre at Oyinlola DC School in Okuku, Osun State, where Independent National Electoral Commission, or INEC, officials were distributing Permanent Voters Cards and took some of the materials.
The event, which occurred on Sunday, was said to have disrupted the drill because individuals on the scene apparently raced in opposite directions.
A resident of Okuku, simply identified as Gbadebo, told our correspondent that the perpetrators entered the premises without drawing anyone’s attention and shot into the air as they made their way to some packs of PVCs placed near the chairs of INEC staff members who were assisting those waiting to collect their cards.
“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 onto 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 off with some packs.
Gbadebo estimated the number of hoodlums engaged to be around eight.
Abiodun Ojelabi, public relations officer for the Osun Police Command, confirmed the event in a statement, saying that Police Commissioner Ibrahim Gotan denounced the act.
Ojelabi further stated that Gotan had directed a thorough investigation to locate, arrest, and prosecute individuals responsible.
He also stated that tactical and intelligence assets from the command had been deployed and that efforts had been stepped up to apprehend the culprits and recover the stolen PVCs.
“About 10 armed thugs attacked 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.
“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 constant dedication 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 and law-abiding and refrain from any action capable of causing further breach of the peace,” Ojelabi said.
He urged residents and eyewitnesses with relevant information that could aid police investigations to immediately report to the nearest police station or contact the command via its emergency lines.
