Tension erupted in Osun State after suspected political thugs reportedly attacked a Permanent Voter Card (PVC) distribution centre, firing gunshots into the air and making away with packs of voter cards. The incident has sparked fresh accusations between political parties ahead of the elections. cbinews.tv reports.

Suspected political thugs have attacked a Permanent Voter Card (PVC) distribution centre in Okuku, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State, disrupting the exercise and carting away packs of voter cards.

cbinews.tv reports that the incident occurred on Sunday at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, where officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were distributing PVCs to eligible voters.

Eyewitnesses said the hoodlums stormed the venue, fired several gunshots into the air and caused panic among residents, prospective voters and electoral officials, forcing many to flee for safety.

The attackers reportedly made away with packs of PVCs before police officers arrived at the scene.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, said about ten armed hoodlums invaded the distribution centre and fled with voter cards.

He added that the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, has condemned the attack and ordered a full-scale investigation to identify those responsible and ensure they are prosecuted.

The incident has also triggered a fresh war of words between the state's major political parties.

The Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Adewale Egbedun, through his Chief Press Secretary, Olamide Tiamiyu, accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of masterminding the attack, describing it as an assault on democracy and the electoral process.

He called on security agencies to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation and bring anyone found culpable to justice.

However, the APC rejected the allegation.

Speaking on behalf of the party's campaign council, Oluremi Omowaiye accused Speaker Egbedun of sponsoring hoodlums to disrupt the PVC distribution exercise, urging security agencies to investigate the incident.

Meanwhile, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Osun State, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, also confirmed the attack and condemned the disruption.

She said INEC was still compiling details of the incident, including the exact number of voter cards taken by the attackers.

Babalola, however, reassured residents that the commission remains committed to conducting elections that are free, fair, credible, inclusive and transparent, despite the unfortunate incident.

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