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 carting away several voter cards.
The incident occurred at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, where officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were distributing PVCs. Eyewitnesses said about ten armed men stormed the centre, fired shots into the air, and forced residents and officials to flee.
Police confirmed the attack, stating that the assailants made away with packs of PVCs before officers arrived at the scene. The Osun State Police Command has since launched an investigation, with Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan condemning the incident and ordering efforts to apprehend those responsible.
INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Oluwatoyin Babalola, also confirmed the attack, noting that the exact number of stolen cards is yet to be determined. She assured the public of the commission’s commitment to conducting a credible and transparent election.
Meanwhile, the incident has sparked political accusations. The Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, alleged that opposition members were behind the attack, describing it as a threat to democracy. In response, the All Progressives Congress (APC) denied the claim and instead accused the Speaker of orchestrating the disruption.
Security agencies have been urged to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident.
