Residents to remain indoors from midnight until 6 p.m. as security agencies tighten measures to ensure a peaceful local government election…..
The Edo State Police Command has imposed a statewide restriction on movement ahead of Saturday’s local government election, directing residents to remain indoors from 12:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on July 11, 2026.
The directive, announced as part of the security arrangements for the polls, is intended to guarantee a peaceful, orderly and credible electoral process across the state’s 18 local government areas.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Eno Ikoedem, the command said both vehicular and pedestrian movement would be prohibited throughout the restriction period.
Despite the directive, the police clarified that certain categories of persons would be allowed to move freely while carrying out official duties. These include officials of the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), accredited election observers, accredited journalists, security personnel, emergency responders and other essential service providers directly involved in the conduct of the election.
The command disclosed that security operatives have already been deployed across the state to maintain law and order, protect voters, election officials and sensitive materials, and prevent any attempt to disrupt the electoral process.
Residents were also warned against violating the movement restriction, with the police stressing that anyone found flouting the directive or engaging in activities capable of undermining the election would face arrest and possible prosecution.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, assured residents that comprehensive security measures had been put in place to safeguard lives and property throughout the exercise.
He called on eligible voters to conduct themselves peacefully, comply with the guidelines issued by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission and exercise their civic responsibility without resorting to violence.
The police chief reiterated the command’s commitment to working with other security agencies to ensure the local government election is conducted in a peaceful, free, fair and secure environment.
