Suspected hoodlums on Sunday invaded a Permanent Voter Card (PVC) distribution centre in Okuku, Osun State, firing gunshots into the air before carting away packs of voter cards in an attack that disrupted the ongoing exercise.

The incident occurred at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, Okuku, in Odo-Otin Local Government Area, where officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were distributing PVCs to prospective voters.

The attack triggered panic among residents and prospective voters at the venue, forcing many to flee for safety as the armed men stormed the premises.

A resident of the community, identified simply as Gbadebo, said the attackers gained access to the venue unnoticed before opening fire and targeting the PVCs kept by INEC officials.

“The incident occurred at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, Okuku, Osun State, on Sunday. Some of us were there 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 fled in different directions, and they went straight to where the INEC staff kept the PVCs and made away with some packs. The hoodlums were about eight in number,” he said.

However, the Osun State Police Command, while confirming the incident, said about 10 armed thugs carried out the attack and escaped with three packs of PVCs.

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, had strongly condemned the attack and ordered an immediate investigation.

“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 three packs of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs),” Ojelabi stated.

He said the commissioner had directed a comprehensive investigation aimed at identifying, arresting and prosecuting all those responsible for the attack.

According to him, the command has also deployed tactical and intelligence assets across the area, while efforts have been intensified to recover the stolen PVCs and apprehend the fleeing suspects.

“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 a further breach of the peace,” the statement added.

The police further appealed to residents and eyewitnesses with credible information that could aid the investigation to report to the nearest police station or contact the command through its emergency lines.