The Edo State Police Command has announced the completion of comprehensive security arrangements for the upcoming local government election scheduled for Saturday.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Monday Agbonika, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, in Benin City.
Agbonika stated that security personnel and operational assets have been strategically deployed to polling units, collation centres, critical national infrastructure, and other sensitive locations across the state’s 18 local government areas.
The deployment is aimed at ensuring a peaceful, secure, and credible electoral process. The commissioner directed all officers to maintain the highest level of professionalism, impartiality, and intelligence-led policing throughout the exercise.
He assured that the command would collaborate closely with other security agencies to maintain law and order before, during, and after the polls.
Eligible voters were encouraged to come out and perform their civic duty without fear, as adequate security has been provided. Residents were also advised to remain peaceful, obey lawful instructions from security and electoral officials, and avoid any actions that could disrupt the process.
Political parties, candidates, and their supporters were reminded to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Electoral Act and other relevant laws. The commissioner issued a stern warning against violence, thuggery, vote buying, voter intimidation, destruction of election materials, and other forms of electoral malpractice.
“Anyone found violating the law will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” he warned.
The police chief also called on parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against being used by politicians to cause unrest or disrupt the election.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or security threats promptly to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency communication channels.
