There was tension in some localities in Ilesa West local government area of Osun State as yet-to-be identified hoodlums loyal to a political party invaded venues designated for collection of Permanent Voter Cards and disrupted the exercise.
The sad development which left three people severely injured created tension in Igbogi, Isokun, Ibala, and some neighbourhoods within Ilesa metropolis.
WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that people especially traders including schools were forced to shut down while some people were forced to stay indoors for some hours, as hoodlums wielding dangerous weapons invaded the streets.
Speaking with WITHIN NIGERIA via a telephone, a resident of Ilesa said the hoodlums intended to scare people away from centres where PVC were being collected.
According to report, those people injured in the fracas, were believed to have sustained the injuries when rival groups of hoodlums involved in the disruption clashed.
Spokesperson for Osun NSCDC, Olabisi Atanda while speaking on the incident 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Relations, Seun Osimosu, said PVC collection was not suspended in the affected areas, but noted that the staff were withdrawn from the affected communities over safety concerns.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.
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