Olusegun Ariyo
While the electorates go to poll a few hours from now to elect a governor who will take over from the outgoing governor, Godwin Obaseki, security operatives have been beefed up in the state.
Urban Express News reports that voters have started going to their voting centers.
The security operatives, mainly the Nigerian Army, and policemen have blocked several major streets and roads.
At Agho and Joromi junctions, Ekenwa road, Benin City, military operatives blocked the two sides of the road, thereby making passage difficult for motorists.
At Oba market Road, Ebiwe, Forestry and Mission Road junctions were also blocked by the Army and the Policemen.
At Sonkpoba junction, Sapele, Airport roads were also blocked by the Army, as well as the Asoro primary school at Sokponba, while Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) belonging to the Army were stationed at Akakpava road by Central Bank of Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police have advised residents of Edo State to cast their votes in the governorship election and return to their homes.
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG, Frank Mbah, in charge of security for the election, gave this advice in an interview on Channels Television on Friday and that which was Monitored by our Correspondent , says only individuals accredited to monitor the election will be allowed on the streets.
According to him, there would be restriction on vehicular movements from 6am to 6pm in the state, adding that police decided to listen to the citizens’ complaints by adjusting the curfew period.
Mbah said sympathizers of political parties from other states are currently in Edo because the election is taking place in an off-cycle season.
The DIG said it is the responsibility of the police to provide security to everyone, including journalists, observers, and politicians, who are in the state for the election.
“It is important for everybody to know that if you are not accredited to carry out the functions relating to the election, you shouldn’t be out on the streets,” Mbah said.
“If you are not an accredited personnel, just go out there, perform your civil duty, cast your votes, and return to your home.”
“You understand that this is an off-cycle election, this is one of the challenges we have to deal with,” he added.
