By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Police Command has confirmed an attack on officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the ongoing distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in the state, with armed hoodlums reportedly carting away three packs of the electoral materials.
The incident, according to the police, occurred at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, in Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State, where INEC officials were peacefully carrying out the distribution of PVCs.
The Command disclosed this in a statement signed by its Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command.
According to the police, about 10 armed thugs stormed the location and attacked the INEC officials, while sporadically firing shots into the air before making away with three packs of PVCs.
The incident has heightened concerns over the security of the electoral process in the state, particularly as political parties and their supporters intensify mobilisation ahead of the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.
The police said the attack was being investigated and that tactical and intelligence assets had already been deployed to identify and apprehend the perpetrators and recover the stolen electoral materials.
The statement read in part: “In a related development, 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 ten armed thugs.
“The hoodlums reportedly fired sporadically into the air and carted away three packs of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).”
The Commissioner of Police condemned the incident, describing the attack as unacceptable and directing a comprehensive investigation aimed at ensuring that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
The Command said it had intensified efforts to apprehend the suspects and recover the stolen PVCs, stressing that the police would not allow criminal elements to undermine the electoral process or create fear among residents.
The development came amid another security incident in the state involving suspected thugs who reportedly gathered around the Mayfair Garage area of Ile-Ife, where their activities allegedly became unruly and temporarily disrupted public peace.
Following the report, the Commissioner of Police ordered the immediate deployment of police operatives to the area to prevent the situation from escalating.
The police said the situation was brought under control through the use of minimal and proportionate force, while priority was given to protecting lives and property and restoring normalcy.
The Command said normalcy had since returned to the Ile-Ife area, urging residents to remain calm and law-abiding.
The police further warned individuals and groups against exploiting the incidents to foment violence or disrupt public order, stressing that anyone found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The Command also appealed to residents, eyewitnesses and other members of the public with useful information about the attack on the INEC officials to come forward and assist investigators.
It urged anyone with credible information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects or recovery of the stolen PVCs to report promptly to the nearest police station or contact the Command through its emergency communication channels.
The police assured residents of Ile-Ife, Odo-Otin and other parts of Osun State that it remained committed to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace before, during and after the election.
The attack is coming at a particularly sensitive period in Osun State, with the governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026, and political parties stepping up their campaigns and mobilisation activities across the state.
The distribution and collection of PVCs are also regarded as critical components of preparations for the election, making the reported theft of electoral materials a matter of concern to stakeholders.
The police therefore called on political actors, community leaders and residents to cooperate with security agencies and avoid actions capable of triggering violence or undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
The Command reiterated that its officers would continue to operate professionally and within the confines of the law while taking necessary measures to protect electoral personnel, materials and members of the public.
