The Osun State Police Command has commenced a full-scale investigation after suspected political thugs attacked 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.
The incident occurred on Sunday at the Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, where INEC officials were conducting the ongoing PVC distribution exercise.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, about 10 armed hoodlums stormed the centre, fired several gunshots into the air and fled with three packs of Permanent Voter Cards.
The Command said the attack disrupted the peaceful exercise, prompting an immediate security response.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Osun State, Ibrahim Gotan, strongly condemned the assault and directed that a thorough investigation be carried out to identify and prosecute those responsible.
Ojelabi disclosed that tactical and intelligence units have been mobilised to track down the suspects and recover the stolen PVCs.
He assured residents of Odo-Otin, Ile-Ife and other parts of the state that security has been reinforced and normalcy restored in the affected area.
“The Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property while ensuring that those behind the attack are brought to justice,” the police spokesperson said.
The police also appealed to members of the public to remain calm, obey the law and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid the investigation.
Residents with useful information were urged to report to the nearest police station or contact the Command through its emergency lines.
The Command further warned that anyone attempting to exploit the incident to foment violence or disrupt public peace would face the full weight of the law.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola, also confirmed the attack while speaking at a town hall meeting in Osogbo.
She said INEC was still awaiting a detailed report from officials at the scene to determine the exact number of PVCs stolen during the raid.
Despite the security breach, Babalola reassured residents that the electoral body remains committed to conducting a peaceful, free, fair and credible election in the state.
