The Edo State Police Command has declared a statewide restriction of vehicular and human movement from midnight to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday as part of security measures for the local government elections. The announcement was made by the police spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, an assistant superintendent of police, in a statement released on Friday in Benin.
Comprehensive Security Arrangements
According to Ikoedem, the restriction is part of comprehensive security arrangements put in place in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure a peaceful, orderly, and secure electoral process. She stated that the measure aims to protect voters, election officials, and sensitive materials while preventing any breakdown of law and order during the elections.
Exemptions and Enforcement
Ikoedem clarified that all vehicular and human movement would be prohibited during the restriction period. However, officials of the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), accredited election observers, accredited media personnel, security agencies, emergency responders, and other essential service providers on election duty would be exempted. She advised residents to comply fully with the directive, noting that security personnel had been strategically deployed across the state's 18 local government areas (LGAs) to enforce the restriction. “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,” she said.
Police Commissioner's Assurance
Ikoedem quoted the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, as reassuring residents that adequate security arrangements had been put in place to safeguard the election. She said the commissioner urged eligible voters to come out peacefully and exercise their civic responsibility in line with the guidelines issued by the election commission. According to her, Mr. Agbonika reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring a free, fair, peaceful, and credible local government election.
Political Parties Cleared
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the Election Commission cleared 12 political parties to participate in the election across the state’s 18 local government areas.
