Gunmen Disrupt PVC Distribution in Osun, Cart Away Voter Cards

Suspected armed hoodlums on Sunday attacked a Permanent Voter Card (PVC) distribution centre 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, where officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were distributing PVCs to registered voters.

According to eyewitnesses, the attackers stormed the venue unexpectedly and fired gunshots into the air, causing panic as prospective voters and election officials fled for safety.

A resident, identified simply as Gbadebo, said the assailants headed straight to where INEC officials had kept the PVCs before escaping with several packs of the cards.

“The incident occurred at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, Okuku. Some of us were there to collect our PVCs when the hoodlums suddenly appeared,” he said.

“They fired into the air, scattered everyone and went directly to where the INEC staff kept the PVCs before making away with some packs. They were about eight in number.”

Confirming the incident, the Osun State Police Command said about 10 armed thugs invaded the PVC distribution centre and carted away three packs of Permanent Voter Cards after firing sporadically into the air.

Police spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi said the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, had condemned the attack and ordered a comprehensive investigation.

According to him, tactical and intelligence teams have been deployed to track down those responsible and recover the stolen PVCs.

“The Commissioner of Police has directed a comprehensive investigation with a view to identifying, arresting and prosecuting all those responsible,” Ojelabi said.

He added that the command remained committed to maintaining law and order and urged residents to remain calm while assisting security agencies with credible information.

The police also appealed to eyewitnesses and members of the public with useful information to report to the nearest police station or contact the command through its emergency lines as investigations continue.