Benin: The Police Command in Edo has deployed 7,825 personnel, and ordered a restriction of movement for Saturday’s by-elections in the state.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is conducting by-elections into the Edo Central Senatorial and Ovia Federal Constituency seats at the National Assembly.
The elections followed the emergence of Sen. Monday Okpebholo as the governor of Edo in the Sept 2024 gubernatorial election in the state.
Similarly, the Ovia federal constituency seat became vacant in succession to the election of the erstwhile occupant, Dennis Idahosa, as deputy governor in the off-cycle election.
A statement issued in Benin on Friday by the spokesman of the police in Edo, SP Moses Iyamu, said the personnel were drawn from different formations and units.
According to him, these include Zone 5 headquarters, the command, Police Mobile Force, Special Intervention Squad, and the Election Monitoring Team from the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Yamu quoted that state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, as saying the deployment was designed to ensure adequate security before, during, and after the polls.
This, he said, was to guarantee the safety of voters, electoral officials, and materials, as well as to maintain law and order.
The police spokesperson said the command also restricted movement from midnight on Friday to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, in all areas where elections would be held.
“This measure is to prevent any form of interference, disruption, or breach of peace during the electoral process,” he said.
He urged members of the public to comply with the directive, noting that only persons on essential duties with valid identification would be allowed passage during the restricted hours.
He said the commissioner warned that anyone found violating the order or engaging in acts capable of disrupting the election or undermining the peace would face the full weight of the law.
“While assuring residents of the command’s neutrality and professionalism, Agbonika encouraged eligible voters to come out and exercise their civic responsibility without fear.
“Adequate arrangements have been made for the safety of everyone,” he said.
