The Edo State Police Command has ordered a statewide restriction of movement ahead of Saturday’s local government elections, warning that violators will face legal consequences.
The Edo State Police Command has announced a sweeping restriction on movement across the state to ensure the peaceful conduct of the local government election scheduled for Saturday.
In a statement issued Friday by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, authorities declared that all vehicular and human movement would be prohibited from 12:00 midnight Friday to 3:00 p.m. Saturday.
“This restriction is part of the comprehensive security measures put in place by the Command in collaboration with other security agencies to guarantee a peaceful electoral process, protect voters, electoral officials, and sensitive materials, as well as prevent any breakdown of law and order,” the statement read.
Who Is Exempted?
Only the following categories of persons will be permitted to move during the restriction period:
· Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
· Accredited election observers
· Duly accredited media personnel
· Security agencies
· Emergency and other essential service providers on election duty
Security Operatives Deployed
The Police Command revealed that security operatives have been strategically deployed across all eighteen Local Government Areas of the state to enforce the restriction and maintain law and order.
“Any person or group found violating the restriction or engaging in acts capable of disrupting the electoral process will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” the command warned.
Commissioner’s Assurance
The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, reassured residents that adequate security arrangements had been made to safeguard the election.
He urged residents to come out peacefully to exercise their civic responsibility in line with the guidelines issued by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC).
“The Command remains committed to ensuring a free, fair, peaceful, and credible electoral process,” Agbonika added.
