Edo Police Roll Out Tight Security Measures Ahead of Local Government Elections
The Edo State Police Command has announced a temporary restriction on movement across the state as part of security measures for Saturday's local government elections. According to a statement released on Friday by the Command's spokesperson, CSP Moses Yamu, the restriction will take effect from 12:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, and remain in force until 3:00 p.m. The measure is aimed at ensuring a peaceful, orderly, and secure electoral process across all 18 local government areas of the state. The police explained that the restriction forms part of a coordinated security plan involving other law enforcement agencies to safeguard voters, electoral officials, election materials, and public infrastructure while preventing any disruption during the polls. During the restricted period, all vehicular and pedestrian movement will be prohibited, except for individuals and groups officially authorized to participate in election duties. Those exempt include officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accredited election observers, accredited media personnel, security agencies, emergency responders, and other essential service providers assigned to election-related responsibilities. The Command urged residents to comply fully with the directive, noting that security personnel have been deployed across the state to enforce the order and maintain public safety throughout the election. It also warned that anyone found violating the movement restriction or engaging in activities capable of disrupting the electoral process would face legal consequences in accordance with existing laws.
The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, reassured residents that adequate security arrangements had been put in place to ensure a peaceful exercise. He encouraged eligible voters to come out and perform their civic responsibility in line with the guidelines issued by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC). The Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to deliver a free, fair, peaceful, and credible local government election while ensuring the safety of residents before, during, and after the polls.
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