OSUN: Thugs storm the examination center, carrying packets of voter cards

There was chaos on Sunday at the polling center located at Oyinlola DC School, Okuku, Osun State, when suspected thugs stormed the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) distribution point and snatched some of it.

Many members of the public who had gathered to receive PVCs distributed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had to run for their lives as thugs reportedly opened fire.

An Okuku resident, identified as Gbadebo, told journalists that the perpetrators entered the premises without attracting the attention of bystanders and fired into the air when they headed towards some PVC wrappers placed near the seats of INEC staff members who were waiting to collect their cards.

“The incident occurred at Oyinlola DC School, Ward 2, Okuku, Osun State, on Sunday. Some of us were around to collect our PVCs, and I cannot say when the hoodlums entered the premises.

“They shot in the air and disrupted the exercise. Some of us nearby fled in different directions, and they went straight to where the INEC staff had put PVC and carried some packages.

“The number is about eight,” said Gbadebo.

Confirming the incident in a statement, the Public Relations Officer of the Osun Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, condemned the act.

Ojelabi also said Gotan had directed a comprehensive investigation with the aim of identifying, arresting and prosecuting the parties involved.

He also said the command’s tactical and intelligence assets had been deployed, and added that efforts had been intensified to arrest the perpetrators and recover the stolen PVC.

“Some officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Osun State, who were peacefully distributing Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, Odo-Otin Local Government Area, were attacked by about 10 armed thugs.

“The thugs reportedly fired sporadically into the air and took three packs of Permanent Voter Cards (PVC).

“The Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, has condemned the incident in its entirety and has directed a comprehensive investigation with a view to identifying, arresting and bringing to justice all those responsible.

“The Command reaffirms its unwavering commitment to professionalism and strict adherence to the rule of law in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.

“Members of the public are urged to remain calm, law-abiding, and refrain from any action that could lead to further breach of peace,” Ojelabi said.

He appealed to residents and eyewitnesses who have credible information that can assist the police investigation to immediately report to the nearest police station or contact Command via the emergency line.