The Edo State Police Command has announced it will deploy 7,825 officers to ensure security during the upcoming by-elections.
The elections are taking place on Saturday and will fill two important positions, one in the Edo Central Senatorial District and the other in the Ovia Federal Constituency.
The by-elections were necessary because Sen. Monday Okpebholo, who recently became governor of Edo, vacated his Senate seat.
Likewise, the seat for the Ovia Federal Constituency became available after Dennis Idahosa, the previous representative, was elected as the state’s deputy governor.
In a statement released on Friday, police spokesman SP Moses Iyamu mentioned that officers from various units will be involved in maintaining order during the elections.
The deployment, he said, will include members from the local police, special intervention squads, and teams focused on monitoring the election process.
The state Police Commissioner, Monday Agbonika, emphasized that the increased police presence is aimed at keeping voters, election workers, and materials safe and ensuring peaceful conduct during the elections.
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To further support this effort, the police have imposed a restriction on movement starting from midnight on Friday until 6:00 pm on Saturday in areas where voting will occur.
This means that only people with valid identification who are performing essential duties will be allowed to move around during that time.
Agbonika also warned that anyone who disobeys this restriction or disrupts the election process will face serious consequences.
He reassured citizens that the police would act fairly and professionally, urging eligible voters to participate in the elections without fear, as they have made sure everyone’s safety is a priority.
