Three Injured As Hoodlums Cause Commotion At PVC Collection Centers

There was panic in Igbogi, Isokun, Ibala, and all neighbourhoods within the Ilesa metropolis in Osun State after some suspected hoodlums stormed designated venues for the collection of Permanent Voter Cards.

The hoodlums disrupted the exercise, forcing people to stay indoors, as they carried dangerous weapons roaming the streets.

Three people were confirmed injured and a resident of Ibala who spoke with Punch said the hoodlums intended to scare people away from the venues of PVC collection.

Those injured in the fracas, were believed to have sustained the injuries when rival groups of hoodlums involved in the disruption clashed.

Confirming the development, Public Relations Officer of Civil Defence Corps, Osun State Command, Olabisi Atanda, said the hoodlums did not allow people to collect their PVCs and security men are on top of the situation.

She added that no arrest has been made but they are on the hunt for the hoodlums.

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 the hunt for the hoodlums. Three people were injured but no death was recorded.”

Speaking on the incident, 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Relations, Seun Osimosu, said PVC collection was not suspended in the affected areas, but noted that the staff were withdrawn from the affected communities over safety concerns.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.