By Amos Aar
AS the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducts Presidential and National Assembly elections tomorrow, the Benue State Police Command has announced the restriction of all forms of vehicular movement in the state from 12am to 6pm, excluding those on essential services, particularly election officials.
Making the announcement, the state commissioner of police, Mr Wale Abass, in a statement on Friday warned security aides and escorts not to accompany their principals to polling units.
The statement, signed on behalf of the commissioner of police by the command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Superintendent of Police (SP) Sewuese Anene, stressed that the measure was to ensure security of all in the course of the election.
“The CP emphasized that as part of measures emplaced to ensure a safe environment, safety of electorates, prevention of hoodlums and criminally-minded elements from disrupting the electoral process, the IGP Usman Alkali Baba…has ordered a restriction of all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation, from 12 am to 6 pm on 25/2/2023 with the exception of those on essential services such as INEC Officials, Electoral Observers, Ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters, etc.
“Similarly, the IGP also warns all security aides and escorts to desist from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centres during the election. He emphasizes that only security personnel specifically assigned to election duties are to be seen within and around the designated election booths and centres.
“Also, the ban on the unauthorized use of sirens, revolving lights, covered number plates, and tinted glasses is still in force, and violators would be sanctioned appropriately. All State-established and owned security outfits/organizations, quasi-security units, and privately-owned guard and security outfits are also barred from participating in election security management. According to the CP, the IGPs orders must be strictly obeyed and enforced”, the statement reads partly.
The statement also quoted the Police Commissioner as empathizing with Benue citizens on the inconveniences the restriction may have caused them.
While he urged the electorate to be law-abiding and turn out enmass to exercise their franchise, CP Abass however warned that the command will deal decisively with persons who will choose to engage in any form of mal-practice and violence.
Members of the public are informed to dial the following emergency numbers throughout the election period if need arises: 0806 600 6475, 0708 325 0154, 0805 749 3117, 0706 737 4913.
