There was commotion on Sunday at a collation centre located in Oyinlola DC School, Okuku, Osun State, as suspected thugs stormed the place where Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) were being distributed and took away some of them.
Many people who had gathered to receive their PVCs being distributed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had to run for safety as the thugs reportedly shot released gunshots.
A resident of Okuku, identified simply as Gbadebo, told newsmen that the perpetrators entered the premises without drawing the attention of people around and shot into the air as they made for some packs of PVCs placed close to the chairs of the INEC staff members attending to those 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 can’t say when those hoodlums got into the premises.
“They shot into the air and disrupted the exercise. Some of us around fled in different directions, and they went straight to where those INEC staff put the PVCs and made away with some packs.
“They were about eight in number,” Gbadebo said.
Confirming the incident in a statement, Osun Police Command Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the Police Commissioner, Ibrahim Gotan, condemned the act.
Ojelabi also said that Gotan had directed a comprehensive investigation with a view to identifying, arresting, and prosecuting those involved.
He also said tactical and intelligence assets of the command had been deployed, adding that efforts had been intensified to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the stolen PVCs.
“Some officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Osun State, who were peacefully distributing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, Odo-Otin Local Government Area, were attacked by about 10 armed thugs.
“The hoodlums reportedly fired sporadically into the air and carted away with three packs of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
“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 prosecuting all those responsible.
“The command reiterates its unwavering commitment to professionalism and strict adherence to the rule of law in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
“Members of the public are urged to remain calm, law-abiding, and refrain from any action capable of causing further breach of the peace,” Ojelabi said.
He appealed to residents and eyewitnesses with credible information that may assist police investigation to promptly report to the nearest police station or contact the Command through its emergency lines.
(Ripples)