Police Restore Calm in Ile-Ife, Launch Manhunt After Armed Thugs Snatch INEC PVCs in Osun
Says officers used minimal force to quell unrest, vows to arrest attackers behind Odo-Otin electoral materials theft
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Osun State Police Command has restored normalcy in Ile-Ife after a public disturbance allegedly caused by suspected thugs, while simultaneously launching a manhunt for armed hoodlums who attacked officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and carted away Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Odo-Otin Local Government Area of the state.
The development was disclosed in a press statement issued by the Osun State Police Command and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, Osogbo.
According to the statement, the Police received credible intelligence that a group of suspected thugs had assembled around the Mayfair Garage area of Ile-Ife, where they became unruly and disrupted public peace.
Following the report, the Commissioner of Police immediately ordered the deployment of operatives to the area to prevent the situation from escalating.
The Command stated that officers successfully restored order through the application of minimal and proportionate force, while prioritising the safety of residents and the protection of lives and property.
“The situation was brought under control through the use of minimal and proportionate force, while ensuring that the safety of members of the public and the protection of lives and property remained paramount,” the statement said.
In a separate incident, the Police disclosed that armed thugs attacked officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) who were peacefully distributing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, Odo-Otin Local Government Area.
The attackers, said to be about ten in number, allegedly fired gunshots into the air before fleeing with three packs of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
Condemning the attack, the Commissioner of Police directed an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the incident.
The Command said tactical and intelligence teams have already been mobilised to identify, arrest and prosecute all those involved, while efforts are also underway to recover the stolen PVCs.
“The Commissioner of Police has condemned the incident in its entirety and has directed a comprehensive investigation with a view to identifying, arresting, and prosecuting all those responsible,” the statement added.
The Police reaffirmed their commitment to professionalism and strict adherence to the rule of law in carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
Residents were urged to remain calm, law-abiding and avoid actions capable of undermining public peace, while anyone with credible information about the suspects was encouraged to report to the nearest police station or contact the Command through its emergency channels.
The Command also warned that individuals seeking to exploit the incidents to foment violence or disrupt public order would face the full weight of the law.
The Police assured residents of Ile-Ife, Odo-Otin, and other parts of Osun State that security had been reinforced and reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding lives, property and maintaining law and order across the state.
