PVCs were allegedly stolen after suspected armed thugs attacked INEC officials during voter card distribution in Osun. Police have launched an investigation and intensified efforts to recover the missing cards.
OSOGBO — The Osun State Police Command has launched an investigation into the alleged attack on officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Odo-Otin Local Government Area, where suspected armed thugs reportedly made away with voter cards.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi.
According to the statement, the incident occurred at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, where INEC officials were distributing PVCs when about 10 suspected armed thugs stormed the venue.
The suspects allegedly fired several gunshots into the air, causing panic before carting away three packs of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
Ojelabi said the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, strongly condemned the attack and immediately ordered a comprehensive investigation aimed at identifying, arresting and prosecuting those responsible.
He added that tactical and intelligence units had been deployed to track down the suspects and recover the stolen PVCs.
The police spokesperson reaffirmed the command’s commitment to professionalism and strict adherence to the rule of law while carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
The command appealed to residents to remain calm, obey the law and avoid actions capable of escalating tensions or disrupting public peace.
Ojelabi also urged members of the public and eyewitnesses with credible information about the incident to report to the nearest police station or contact the command through its emergency lines to support ongoing investigations.
He warned that anyone attempting to exploit the incident to incite violence or undermine public order would face the full weight of the law.
The police also confirmed that normalcy has been restored in Ile-Ife after suspected thugs gathered around the Mayfair Garage area and became unruly, temporarily disrupting public peace.
The command assured residents of its continued commitment to protecting lives and property while maintaining peace, security and public order across Osun State.
Visit GMTNewsng for more news stories.
