Edo LG election: Police declare movement restriction for Saturday

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The Edo State Police Command has announced restrictions on movement across the state to ensure adequate security during Saturday’s local government election.

The directive was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem.

According to the police, movement will be restricted statewide from 12:00 a.m. on Friday until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday to facilitate the smooth and peaceful conduct of the council poll.

The statement read, “The Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that there will be restriction of movement throughout Edo State from 12:00 midnight Friday to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, 11th July, 2026, to ensure the peaceful, orderly, and secure conduct of the Local Government Council Elections.

“The restriction is part of the comprehensive security measures put in place by the Command in collaboration with other security agencies to guarantee a peaceful electoral process, protect voters, electoral officials, and sensitive materials, as well as prevent any breakdown of law and order.

“Consequently, all vehicular and human movement within the state is prohibited during the stated period, except for officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, accredited election observers, duly accredited media personnel, security agencies, emergency and other essential service providers on election duty.

“Members of the public are advised to comply fully with this directive, as security operatives have been strategically deployed across the eighteen Local Government Areas of the state to enforce the restriction and maintain law and order. Any person or group found violating the restriction or engaging in acts capable of disrupting the electoral process will be dealt with in accordance with the law.”

The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, “reassured residents of Edo State that adequate security arrangements had been made to safeguard the election.”

He urged residents to come out peacefully to exercise their civic responsibility in line with the guidelines issued by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission, adding that the “Command remains committed to ensuring a free, fair, peaceful, and credible electoral process.”