The Edo State Police Command has announced a statewide restriction of movement ahead of Saturday’s local government elections to ensure a peaceful and secure electoral process.
The command said the measure is aimed at safeguarding voters, electoral officials and election materials, as well as preventing any breakdown of law and order during the polls.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, on Friday, the command said the restriction will be in force from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, across the state.
It noted that vehicular and human movement would be prohibited during the period, except for officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accredited election observers, accredited media personnel, security agencies, emergency responders and other essential service providers on election duty.
The statement quoted the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, as assuring residents that adequate security measures had been put in place to ensure a free, fair, peaceful and credible election.
He added that security personnel would be deployed across all 18 local government areas of the state to enforce compliance and maintain public order.
The command warned that anyone found violating the movement restriction would be dealt with in accordance with the law and urged residents to cooperate with security agencies to ensure a peaceful electoral process.