Attack Details
On Sunday, July 26, 2026, about eight to ten armed men invaded the Oyinlola DC Primary School in Ward 2, Odo-Otin Local Government Area, Okuku, Osun State, where officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were distributing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). The hoodlums fired shots into the air, causing chaos and forcing INEC staff and residents to flee for safety. They then seized three packs of PVCs from the distribution area before escaping.
Eyewitness Account
A resident named Gbadebo, who was at the scene to collect his card, described the terrifying moment. Speaking to Punch, he said: “The incident occurred at Oyinlola DC School, Ward 2, Okuku, Osun State, on Sunday. Some of us were around to collect our PVCs, and I can't say when those hoodlums got into the premises. They shot into the air and disrupted the exercise. Some of us around fled in different directions, and they went straight to where those INEC staff put the PVCs and made away with some packs. The hoodlums involved are about eight in number.”
Police Response
The Osun State Police Command confirmed the attack through its Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi. He stated: “Some 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 10 armed thugs. The hoodlums reportedly fired sporadically into the air and carted away with three packs of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).” Ojelabi added that the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, condemned the attack and ordered a full investigation to identify, arrest, and prosecute those responsible.
Investigation Underway
Ojelabi disclosed that the command has deployed tactical and intelligence assets to track down the perpetrators and recover the stolen cards. He urged the public to remain calm and avoid actions that could worsen the situation. He also appealed to eyewitnesses and residents with useful information to contact the nearest police station or use the command's emergency lines.
Broader Context: NURTW Tensions
The attack comes amid heightened political tensions in Osun State. Previously, the national leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) inaugurated a seven-man caretaker committee to oversee transport parks and garages in the state, directly challenging Governor Ademola Adeleke's decision to suspend the union's operations. The ceremony took place at the union's headquarters in Garki Area, Abuja, on Friday, July 24, 2026. Alhaji Kazeem Oyewale, widely known as Asiri Eniba, was named chairman of the new committee. The situation remains under surveillance as security forces intensify efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
