Armed hoodlums have attacked officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State, making away with three packs of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The incident, which occurred during the ongoing PVC distribution exercise, is the latest security concern as political activities intensify across the state before the poll.
Confirming the attack in a statement issued on Sunday in Osogbo, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said about 10 suspected thugs stormed Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, where INEC officials were distributing voter cards.
According to him, the hoodlums fired several gunshots into the air, causing panic and forcing electoral officials to flee for safety before escaping with three packs of PVCs.
The Commissioner of Police in Osun State, Ibrahim Gotan, condemned the attack and directed an immediate investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible.
Ojelabi said tactical and intelligence teams had been deployed to track down the suspects and recover the stolen voter cards.
“Tactical and intelligence assets have been deployed, and efforts have been intensified to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the stolen PVCs,” he said.
The police spokesperson reiterated the command’s commitment to maintaining professionalism and upholding the rule of law throughout the election period.
He urged residents to remain calm, comply with the law, and avoid actions capable of heightening political tension in the state.
Ojelabi also appealed to members of the public and eyewitnesses with credible information about the attack to report to the nearest police station or contact the command through its emergency lines.
He warned that anyone attempting to exploit the incident to incite violence or disrupt public peace would face the full weight of the law.
Meanwhile, the police disclosed that operatives had restored normalcy in Ile-Ife after suspected thugs who gathered around the Mayfair Garage area became unruly, temporarily disrupting public peace and commercial activities.
The command assured residents of its readiness to protect lives and property and ensure a peaceful environment before, during and after the August 15 governorship election.
