The Ogun State Police Command has issued a stern warning to individuals planning to disrupt the upcoming Local Government elections scheduled for Saturday, emphasizing that such actions will attract severe legal consequences.
In a statement released on Friday in Abeokuta, the command’s spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola, reaffirmed the police’s commitment to maintaining peace and order during the elections.
She noted that Commissioner of Police Abiodun Alamutu had devised robust security measures to ensure a smooth and secure electoral process.
“The police will ensure the safety of voters and electoral materials,” Odutola stated, urging the public to collaborate with law enforcement authorities and refrain from acts that could jeopardize the integrity of the elections.
Addressing politicians and voters directly, the spokesperson implored all stakeholders to adhere strictly to election laws, avoiding actions such as ballot box snatching, election-related violence, and inflammatory remarks that could spark unrest.
To create a conducive environment for voting, Odutola announced a restriction on movement within the state from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Election Day.
“Movement has been initiated to control commercial transporters of all sorts to comply with the process,” she explained.
She further disclosed that strategic flashpoints identified as potential hotspots for violence have been fortified with deployments of the Police Mobile Force, tactical units, intervention squads, and plainclothes detectives.
These operatives, she said, are equipped and ready to clamp down on troublemakers.
“Flash points have been manned by the police mobile force, tactical teams, and intervention squad, as well as plain clothes detectives,” Odutola added. “These operatives have been adequately equipped to clamp down on troublemakers, and anyone or groups with nefarious intent to cause mayhem will be arrested and prosecuted.”
With these measures in place, the command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the credibility of the election and called on all residents to respect the process for a peaceful outcome.
