PVC
Armed hoodlums reportedly disrupted the ongoing Permanent Voter Card (PVC) distribution exercise in Okuku, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State, making away with uncollected voter cards.
Sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity on Sunday, said the incident occurred at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, where officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were distributing PVCs to registered voters.
The sources alleged that the assailants arrived in a vehicle, parked close to the distribution centre and later stormed the venue wearing masks.
According to the sources, the hoodlums forcefully seized uncollected Permanent Voter Cards before fleeing the scene.
The sources further claimed that some persons at the distribution centre attempted to stop the suspects, but retreated after gunshots were allegedly fired into the air.
They added that the incident was reported to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Okuku, while INEC officials were also notified.
The sources called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, identify those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice. They also urged authorities to ensure the PVC distribution exercise remains peaceful and free from intimidation.
Reacting to the incident, the Osun State Police Command, in statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi confirmed that armed hoodlums attacked INEC officials during the PVC distribution exercise at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, Odo-Otin Local Government Area.
The Command said about 10 armed thugs reportedly fired sporadically into the air before carting away three packs of Permanent Voter Cards.
It added that the Commissioner of Police had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident, with tactical and intelligence teams deployed to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible as well as recover the stolen PVCs.
The police appealed to residents and eyewitnesses with useful information to assist the ongoing investigation by reporting to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines.