By Isaac Olufemi Ojo
The Osun State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into the alleged attack on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials in Odo-Otin Local Government Area by suspected hoodlums who carted away packs of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday in Osogbo by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi.
According to the police, the INEC officials were distributing PVCs at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, Odo-Otin Local Government Area, when they were ambushed by about ten armed thugs.
“The hoodlums reportedly fired sporadically into the air and carted away three packs of PVCs,” Ojelabi said.
He noted that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ibrahim Gotan, has strongly condemned the incident, directing a comprehensive investigation to fish out, arrest, and prosecute the perpetrators.
“Tactical and intelligence assets have been deployed, and efforts have been intensified to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the stolen PVCs,” Ojelabi added, while reiterating the command’s commitment to professionalism and strict adherence to the rule of law.
The command urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding, and to refrain from any action capable of causing a further breach of the peace.
Residents and eyewitnesses with credible information that could aid the investigation were also urged to report to the nearest police station or contact the command through its emergency lines.
The police warned that anyone found exploiting the incident to foment violence or disrupt public order would face the full wrath of the law.
Meanwhile, the command disclosed that normalcy has been restored to Ile-Ife following a brief disturbance. Suspected thugs had gathered around the Mayfair Garage area and become unruly, causing a temporary disruption of public order before security operatives intervened.
The Commissioner of Police assured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, as well as maintaining enduring peace and order across the state.
