As Police Clarify Engagement in Hoodlums’ Attack at Motor Park
- Safiu Kehinde
Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were on Sunday attacked by suspected armed thugs in Osun State.
The hoodlums numbering up to 10 reportedly attacked INEC officials who were distributing Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) at Oyinlola DC Primary School in Odo-Otin Local Government Area of the state ahesd of the August 15 Governorship Election.
This was confirmed in a statement issued by the Osun Police Command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi.
According to Ojelabi, the hoodlums opened fire on arrival at the school, sending the crowd and officials into panic before carting away thrèe packs of PVCs.
“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 police spokesperson wrote.
Ojelabi however disclosed that tactical and intelligence assets have been deployed, and efforts have been intensified to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the stolen PVCs.
In the same vein, the police clarified controversies surrounding its officers presence at Mayfair motor park in Ile-Ife where another violent attack by armed thugs was also recorded on Sunday.
NPO Reported that the hoodlums had in the early hour of Sunday stormed the motorpark, opening fire in the air.
Meanwhile, they were alleged to have been escorted by police officers as a video recorded during the attack showed a police operatonal vehicle at the scene of the attack.
Reacting to the allegation, the Osun Police Command held that the officers were deployed to he scene to restore normalcy and bring the situatiin under control.
The police condemned the attack while vowing to bring the perpetrators to book.
“Upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police immediately directed the deployment of police operatives to the area to prevent further escalation and restore normalcy.
“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 Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command, has condemned the incident in its entirety and has directed a comprehensive investigation with a view to identifying, arresting, and prosecuting all those responsible.” Ojelabi wrote.
The police spokesperson reiterated the Osun command’s unwavering commitment to professionalism and strict adherence to the rule of law in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
‘The situation in Ile-Ife has been brought under control, and normalcy has been restored.
“The Osun State Police Command reassures residents of Ile-Ife, Odo-Otin, and the entire state of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property, as well as the maintenance of peace, law, and public order.” He wrote.
Ojelabi urged members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and refrain from any action capable of causing further breach of the peace.
He also appealed to residents and eyewitnesses with credible information that may assist the ongoing investigation to promptly report to the nearest police station or contact the Command through its emergency lines.