Gunmen Attack INEC PVC Distribution Centre in Osun, Cart Away BVAS Devices and Voter Cards
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Thompson Beatrice Ogechi
OKUKU, OSUN STATE — Panic erupted in Okuku, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State after suspected armed hoodlums attacked officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during an ongoing Permanent Voter Card (PVC) distribution exercise.
The incident occurred at Oyinlola DC Primary School in Ward 2, where eligible voters had gathered to collect their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of future elections.
According to the Nigeria Police Force, about ten armed suspects stormed the distribution centre and fired several gunshots into the air, causing widespread panic among electoral officials, ad-hoc staff, security personnel, and members of the public.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers took advantage of the confusion created by the gunfire to seize several packs of Permanent Voter Cards as well as critical Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices before fleeing the scene.
No fatalities were reported during the attack, although the incident disrupted the distribution exercise and raised fresh concerns over the security of electoral materials.
Police authorities confirmed that an investigation has commenced, assuring residents that efforts are underway to identify, arrest, and prosecute those responsible. Security agencies also said measures are being strengthened to safeguard future electoral activities and prevent similar attacks.
INEC is expected to assess the extent of the losses and make arrangements for the replacement of the stolen PVCs and BVAS devices to ensure that eligible voters are not disenfranchised. The Commission has consistently maintained that the integrity of Nigeria's electoral process depends on the protection of sensitive election materials and the safety of its personnel.
The BVAS device remains a critical component of Nigeria's electoral system, serving as the technology used for biometric accreditation of voters and electronic transmission of election results. Since its nationwide deployment, the device has been regarded as a major reform aimed at improving the credibility and transparency of elections.
The attack has generated concern among residents and election observers, who described the incident as a threat to democratic processes. They called on security agencies to intensify surveillance around electoral facilities and ensure those behind the attack are swiftly brought to justice.
Political stakeholders have also urged citizens to remain calm and continue to participate peacefully in the electoral process, emphasizing that acts of violence should not undermine public confidence in Nigeria's democracy.
As investigations continue, electoral authorities have reassured the public of their commitment to conducting credible, secure, and transparent elections despite emerging security challenges.
