The Osun State Police Command has begun an investigation into an alleged attack on officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Odo-Otin Local Government Area of the state.
According to the police, the incident occurred at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, where INEC officials were issuing PVCs to eligible voters.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said about 10 armed hoodlums reportedly stormed the venue, fired gunshots into the air and made away with three packs of Permanent Voter Cards.
“Officials of INEC in Osun, who were distributing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, Odo-Otin Local Government Area, were attacked by about ten armed thugs. The hoodlums reportedly fired sporadically into the air and carted away three packs of PVCs,” Ojelabi said.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Osun State, CP Ibrahim Gotan, condemned the attack and ordered a full-scale investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible.
The police spokesperson disclosed that tactical and intelligence teams have already been deployed to track down the suspects and recover the stolen PVCs.
“Tactical and intelligence assets have been deployed, and efforts have been intensified to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the stolen PVCs,” he stated.
Ojelabi reaffirmed the command’s commitment to professionalism and the rule of law while urging residents to remain peaceful and avoid actions that could escalate tensions.
He also appealed to members of the public and eyewitnesses with useful information to report to the nearest police station or contact the command through its emergency lines.
“Anyone found exploiting the incident to foment violence or disrupt public order will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” Ojelabi warned.
The police also revealed that normalcy has been restored in Ile-Ife after suspected hoodlums caused a temporary disturbance around the Mayfair Garage area.
The command assured residents of its continued commitment to protecting lives and property while maintaining peace and public order across the state.
Source: NAN.
