OSOGBO, Nigeria — Armed men invaded a Permanent Voter Card distribution centre in Okuku, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State on Sunday, disrupting the exercise and escaping with packs of voter cards.

The incident occurred at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, where eligible voters had gathered to collect their cards ahead of the 15 August governorship election.

The spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, SP Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the development. He said the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, strongly condemned the attack and ordered an immediate investigation.

According to the police, about 10 armed men disrupted the distribution exercise by firing sporadically into the air before making away with three packs of Permanent Voter Cards.

Ojelabi stated that the Commissioner of Police directed detectives to launch a comprehensive investigation aimed at identifying, arresting and prosecuting those connected with the attack.

An eyewitness, identified only as Gbadebo, said panic erupted when the assailants, numbering about eight, suddenly appeared and began firing gunshots into the air. He said INEC officials and prospective voters fled for safety.

“I was among those waiting to collect my PVC when the incident happened. The gunshots caused confusion and everyone ran in different directions. The attackers appeared to know exactly where the cards were kept and took away some of the packs before leaving,” the witness said.

The police spokesperson said tactical operatives and intelligence teams had been mobilised to trail the suspects, recover the stolen cards and prevent any attempt to compromise the electoral process.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order throughout the election period and appealed to members of the public with useful information to report to the nearest police station or contact the command through its emergency lines.

The command also urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding.