Hoodlums reportedly disrupted the collection of Permanent Voters Card (PVCs), in parts of Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Edo State.

Daily Trust reported that the incident occurred on Friday, January 6th and Saturday, January 7th in Ward 01 at Iwogban/Uteh Ward 05 at St. Saviour's School, Ward 07 at Ugbekun, Ward 06 at Maria Goretti College, RA 09 at Obanyator with Army Children's School and Ogheghe health centres.

When officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission moved the distribution of PVC to the ward levels, the hoodlums stormed into the collection centers.

Timidi Wariowe (head of Voter Education at Edo INEC office), confirmed that the disruption occurred in five wards within the local government.

Wariowe stated;

"The INEC Edo State has received reports of unruly incidents between yesterday, Friday and Saturday which degenerated into the disruption of the collection of PVC and threat to officials and materials in the five wards.

"In the meantime, INEC Edo State has decided to move the collection centres for Ward 1 and Ward 9 to the INEC Local Government Office in Ikpoba Okha, while the staff earlier withdrawn from Ward 5, Ward 6 and Ward 7 are making their ways back to their collection centres to continue with the activity, on the assurances that the Electoral Officer has received from the DSS of their presence in those locations".

Wariowe appealed to citizens and community leaders to ensure the safety and security of INEC officials and the deployment of materials in their communities. This will ensure that all voters can collect their PVCs and vote in the election. He also stated that INEC had informed the state police about the situation.

In addition, the Head of Voter Education revealed that 26,095 PVCs were collected between January 7 and in advance of the 2023 general election.