Police restrict movement ahead of Edo local government elections

As part of efforts to ensure peaceful local government elections in the state, the Edo State Police Command has announced a restriction of movement from 12 midnight on Friday to 3 pm on Saturday.

A statement issued on Friday by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, 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.”

According to the statement, the restriction forms 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, and 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,” it further stated.

The statement also advised members of the public to comply fully with the directive, noting that security operatives had been strategically deployed across the state’s 18 local government areas to enforce the restriction and maintain law and order.

It warned that any person or group found violating the restriction or engaging in acts capable of disrupting the electoral process would 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 put in place 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.”