The Osun State Police Command has launched an investigation into the alleged attack on officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by suspected hoodlums during the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Odo-Otin Local Government Area.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Osogbo.
“Officials of INEC in Osun, who were distributing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, Odo-Otin Local Government Area, were attacked by about ten armed thugs.
“The hoodlums reportedly fired sporadically into the air and carted away three packs of PVCs,” he said.
Ojelabi said the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, condemned the attack and directed a comprehensive investigation to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible.
“Tactical and intelligence assets have been deployed, and efforts have been intensified to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the stolen PVCs,” Ojelabi said.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to professionalism and strict adherence to the rule of law in carrying out its responsibilities.
The police spokesperson urged residents to remain calm, law-abiding and avoid actions capable of causing further breaches of the peace.
He also appealed to members of the public and eyewitnesses with credible information that could assist the investigation to report to the nearest police station or contact the command through its emergency lines.
Ojelabi warned that anyone found exploiting the incident to incite violence or disrupt public order would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
He further disclosed that the command had restored calm in Ile-Ife after suspected thugs who gathered around the Mayfair Garage area became unruly, temporarily disrupting public peace and order.
He assured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, as well as maintaining peace, law and order.
