Gunmen
On Sunday, July 26, 2026, armed hoodlums (described as thugs) attacked an INEC Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) distribution centre at Oyinlola DC Primary School, Ward 2, Okuku, in Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria.
This occurred ahead of the Osun State governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026. INEC officials were distributing PVCs to eligible voters when the incident happened.
Details of the Attack
Eyewitnesses (including one named Gbadebo) reported that about 8–10 armed men suddenly appeared, fired gunshots into the air to create panic, and forced INEC officials and voters to flee.
The attackers went straight to where the PVCs were stored (near the INEC officials’ area) and carted away three packs of voter cards before escaping.
No injuries were reported in the available accounts; the assault caused disruption and panic but was brief and targeted at the materials.
Official Responses
Police: The Osun State Police Command, via spokesperson SP/DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the details. Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Gotan condemned the attack and ordered a full investigation. Tactical and intelligence teams were deployed to identify, arrest, and prosecute those involved, as well as recover the stolen PVCs.
INEC: Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola condemned the incident. She was awaiting a detailed report on the exact number of cards taken and reassured the public of INEC’s commitment to a free, fair, credible, and transparent election.
The incident is part of reported tensions and political violence in the lead-up to the Osun governorship poll. Some political figures (e.g., the Osun State House of Assembly Speaker) pointed fingers at opposition parties, but police statements focused on investigation without attributing blame.
As of the latest reports (July 26–27, 2026), no arrests or recoveries have been publicly announced. The distribution exercise in the area was disrupted.
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