Three injured as hoodlums disrupt PVC collection in Osun

Three people were confirmed injured when some suspected hoodlums in some communities in Ilesa West local government area of Osun State, on Thursday stormed venues designated for collection of Permanent Voter Cards and disrupted the exercise.

The development created panic in Igbogi, Isokun, Ibala, and all neighbourhoods within Ilesa metropolis, forcing people to stay indoors, as hoodlums wielding dangerous weapons roamed the streets.

A resident of Ibala, who pleaded anonymity, during a chat, told our correspondent that the hoodlums intended to scare people away from centres where PVC were being collected.

It was further learnt those people injured in the fracas, were believed to have sustained the injuries when rival groups of hoodlums involved in the disruption clashed.

Speaking on the incident, the Public Relations Officer of Civil Defence Corps, Osun state Command, Olabisi Atanda, said normalcy had been restored.

She said, “They (the hoodlums) ransacked (PVC collection centres) in Ilesa West and Ilesa West Central. They were in Ward 1, 3, 6 and 7.

“The hoodlums didn’t let people obtain Permanent Voters’ Cards, but the police and the Civil Defence Corps operatives are on top of the situation.

“I am not aware there was an attack on the PDP Secretariat in Ilesa West Local Government. No arrest yet but we are on hunt for the hoodlums. Three people were injured but no death was recorded.”

When contacted for reaction, Osun INEC Public Relations, Seun Osimosu, said PVC collection was not suspended in the affected areas, but noted that the staff were withdrawn from the affected communities over safety concerns.

She added that the Commission would meet security agents in Ilesa West to address the situation.