Suspected hoodlums on Sunday attacked a Permanent Voter Card (PVC) distribution centre operated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Okuku, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State, disrupting the exercise and making away with packs of voter cards.
The incident occurred at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, where INEC officials were distributing PVCs to registered voters.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers fired gunshots into the air, causing panic as residents and electoral officials fled for safety before the assailants escaped with some of the PVCs.
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A resident, identified simply as Gbadebo, said the hoodlums entered the premises unnoticed before launching the attack.
“They shot into the air and disrupted the exercise. Some of us around fled in different directions, and they went straight to where the INEC staff kept the PVCs and made away with some packs,” he said.
Confirming the incident, Osun State Police Command spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi said about 10 armed thugs attacked the centre and carted away three packs of Permanent Voter Cards.
He said the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, had condemned the incident and directed a comprehensive investigation aimed at identifying, arresting and prosecuting those responsible.
Ojelabi added that tactical and intelligence units had been deployed to recover the stolen PVCs and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The police urged residents to remain calm and provide any useful information that could assist investigators.
The attack has heightened concerns over the protection of sensitive electoral materials and the security of election officials during PVC distribution exercises.
INEC had yet to release an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
