Panic erupted in Okuku, Osun State, on Sunday after armed hoodlums invaded a Permanent Voter Card (PVC) distribution centre and escaped with packs of voter cards belonging to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The attack occurred at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, where INEC officials were distributing PVCs to registered voters.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants fired gunshots into the air, forcing officials and residents to flee before making away with the cards.
According to Punch, a resident, Gbadebo, who was at the centre to collect his PVC, said the attackers caught everyone by surprise.
“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,” Gbadebo said.
The Osun State Police Command confirmed the incident and said an investigation had already begun.
In a statement, the command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, had strongly condemned the attack and ordered security operatives to track down those responsible.
READ ALSO:Â INEC Begins PVC Distribution Ahead Of Osun Gov’ship Election
“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).
“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.”
Ojelabi added that tactical and intelligence teams had been deployed to recover the stolen PVCs and arrest the suspects.
He also appealed to residents and eyewitnesses with useful information to report to the nearest police station or contact the command through its emergency lines to assist the ongoing investigation.
INEC had announced the commencement of PVC collection across the state’s 332 Registration Areas from Wednesday, July 22, to Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
PVC collection will then continue at all INEC Local Government Area offices across the state from Wednesday, 29 July to Friday, 7 August 2026.
The Osun State governorship election will take place in August 15, 2026.