Suspected Thugs Attack PVC Distribution Centre In Osun, Cart Away Voter Cards

Suspected political thugs on Sunday attacked a Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) distribution centre in Okuku, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State, disrupting the exercise and making away with packs of voter cards.

The attack occurred at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, where officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were distributing PVCs to eligible voters ahead of the governorship election.

According to reports, about 10 armed hoodlums stormed the centre and fired sporadically into the air, forcing residents and electoral officials to flee for safety. The attackers reportedly seized packs of PVCs before escaping the scene.

While eyewitnesses claimed the hoodlums carted away two packs of the voter cards, the Osun State Police Command said three packs were stolen during the attack.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, had condemned the attack and ordered a full-scale investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible.

“The Commissioner of Police has directed a comprehensive investigation into the incident with a view to bringing the perpetrators to justice,” Ojelabi said.

The incident has since triggered accusations and counter-accusations between the state’s major political parties.

The Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Adewale Egbedun, through his Chief Press Secretary, Olamide Tiamiyu, accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of masterminding the attack.

He described the invasion as a direct assault on Nigeria’s democracy and the integrity of the electoral process, warning that attempts to intimidate voters or tamper with electoral materials must not be tolerated.

Egbedun urged security agencies to carry out an immediate, thorough and impartial investigation to ensure those responsible are identified and prosecuted.

However, the APC denied the allegation and instead accused the Speaker of sponsoring hoodlums to disrupt the PVC distribution exercise.

Speaking with The Nation, the Head of Media of the APC Campaign Council, Oluremi Omowaiye, alleged that Egbedun mobilised thugs to the collection centres.

He said, “It is obvious that the Accord Party is losing it every day; hence, its party leader in Odo-Otin, the Speaker, Egbedun, who is known for assaulting people, including his king, recruited thugs to the collection points for disruption.

“We urge security agencies to arrest Egbedun and other suspected wanted criminals who are hibernating in the Government House and sharing immunity with Governor Ademola Adeleke.”

Meanwhile, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Osun State, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, confirmed the attack and said the commission was still assessing the extent of the damage.

“As I speak to you, I am waiting for the report of the attack. I cannot say the number of PVCs that were taken away. We want to ascertain the numbers,” she said.

Despite the incident, Babalola assured residents that INEC remained committed to conducting a credible election.

“We are promising people of our two states that we are going to conduct an election that is free, fair, credible, inclusive and transparent,” she added.

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