By Emmanuel Onyedika
Gunmen have attacked officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State, escaping with three packs of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
Abiodun Ojelabi, spokesperson of the state police command, said in a statement that about 10 suspected thugs stormed Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, where INEC officials were distributing PVCs.
“Officials of INEC in Osun, who were distributing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, Odo-Otin Local Government Area, were attacked by about ten armed thugs. The hoodlums reportedly fired sporadically into the air and carted away three packs of PVCs,” Ojelabi said.
He added that the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, condemned the incident and directed a comprehensive investigation to identify, arrest and prosecute the perpetrators. “Tactical and intelligence assets have been deployed, and efforts have been intensified to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the stolen PVCs,” he noted.
Ojelabi urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding, warning that anyone found exploiting the incident to foment violence or disrupt public order would be dealt with according to the law. He appealed to residents and eyewitnesses with credible information to report promptly to the nearest police station or contact the command through its emergency lines.
The spokesperson also disclosed that peace had been restored in Ile-Ife after suspected thugs gathered around the Mayfair Garage area and became unruly, temporarily disrupting public order. He assured residents of the police command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property while maintaining peace and law.