The Nigeria Police Force has made a significant breakthrough in curbing electoral violence in Edo State with the arrest of two political thugs, Edwin Obanor and Audu Tajudeen.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police recovered three cut-to-size locally fabricated pistols and one locally made gun from the suspects.
The arrests were made possible by a tip-off that some individuals had been armed to cause mayhem and instability during the election. Police operatives apprehended Obanor, a leader of an armed group, at Oredo Ward 4 at about 9 pm, and Audu Tajudeen at Igara Akoko, Edo, on the eve of the election.
Adejobi emphasized that the arrests demonstrate the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring a peaceful electoral process.
“The police and other supporting security agencies will not tolerate any form of violence or disorderliness during the election in Edo State,” he added.
The suspects are currently in custody and will face the full weight of the law. The police urge citizens to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via their published helplines.
This development comes as various stakeholders, including the Christian Association of Nigeria and Yiaga Africa, have expressed concerns about potential violence and electoral malpractices in the Edo governorship election.
The Police Service Commission has also deployed personnel to monitor the conduct of police officers during the election.
