Gunmen Invade Osun PVC Distribution Centre, Cart Away Voter Cards as Police Launch Manhunt
Suspected armed hoodlums on Sunday invaded a Permanent Voter Card (PVC) distribution centre in Okuku, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State, disrupted the ongoing exercise with gunshots, and fled with packs of voter cards.
The attack occurred at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, where officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were distributing PVCs to eligible voters ahead of the forthcoming elections.
Eyewitnesses said the armed men, believed to be between eight and 10 in number, gained access to the premises unnoticed before firing several shots into the air, sending voters and INEC officials scampering for safety.
A resident of the community, identified simply as Gbadebo, said the assailants headed straight for the area where PVCs were kept and escaped with several packs of the cards.
“The incident happened while many of us were waiting to collect our PVCs. Suddenly, the hoodlums started shooting into the air, causing panic. Everyone ran for safety, and they went directly to where the INEC officials kept the PVCs before making away with some packs. There were about eight of them,” he said.
Confirming the incident, the Osun State Police Command said the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, had strongly condemned the attack and ordered an immediate investigation.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed that about 10 armed thugs carried out the attack and succeeded in carting away three packs of Permanent Voter Cards after firing sporadically into the air.
“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,” Ojelabi said.
He added that the Commissioner of Police had directed a comprehensive investigation aimed at identifying, arresting and prosecuting those responsible for the attack.
According to the police spokesperson, tactical and intelligence teams have been deployed to track down the suspects and recover the stolen PVCs.
The command also appealed to residents and eyewitnesses with useful information to assist the investigation by reporting to the nearest police station or contacting the police through its emergency lines.
The police reassured residents of their commitment to maintaining law and order, urging members of the public to remain calm and avoid actions capable of escalating tension while investigations continue.