‘Politicians arming thugs ahead of Edo, Ondo polls’ — IGP raises the alarm

Mohammed Adamu, inspector-general of police, has raised the alarm over the arming of thugs ahead of the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states.

The gubernatorial election in Edo is scheduled for September 19, while that of  Ondo is October 10.

In a statement on Sunday, Frank Mba, force spokesman, said the IGP called attention to both states following election security threat assessment reports submitted by the commissioners of police in the two states.

According to the reports, there is a high likelihood of violence and possible cross-attack by political opponents during the polls.

“The Election Security Threat Analysis reveals amongst other indicators: arming and movement of political thugs, use of inciting statements during political campaigns, high likelihood of violence and possible cross attack by political opponents, misinformation/disinformation aimed at heating-up of the polity and deliberate efforts at delegitimizing government institutions involved in the electoral processes,” the statement read.

“The IGP, however, warns the politicians and their supporters in Edo and Ondo that the Force would not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law on anyone or group, irrespective of status, that may want to sabotage the security arrangement being emplaced for the elections.”

The IGP called on politicians and their supporters to desist from undermining the electoral process in both states.

He urged them to conduct themselves properly and play by the rules, adding that the force “will work assiduously with all stakeholders in ensuring a level playing ground for all in the elections.”

Adamu added that the force is developing a customised security architecture to protect the people and ensure peaceful elections in both states.