From Scholastica Onyeka, Makurdi
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP. Wale Abass has deployed adequate security for the 2023 Presidential and National Assembly Elections scheduled to hold on Saturday.
Briefing officers, the CP directed officers to be courteous and apolitical in the course of their duties.
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.
He said only those on essential services such as INEC officials, electoral observers, ambulances responding to medical emergencies, firefighters among others.
Wale Abass also hinted that the IGP has also warned all security aides and escorts to desist from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centres during the election.
He emphasized that only security personnel specifically assigned to election duties are to be seen within and around the designated election booths and centres.
He further reiterated the ban on unauthorized use of sirens, revolving lights, covered number plates, and tinted glasses warning violators would be sanctioned appropriately.
The CP said “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.”
While the CP noted that the IGPs orders must be strictly obeyed and enforced, he empathized with well-meaning citizens on the inconveniences the restriction may cause.
The commissioner who urged all active electorates to be law abiding and turn out en mass to exercise their franchise, however, warned that the command will deal decisively with persons who will choose to engage in any form of mal-practice and violence.
He disclosed that the command will available on its emergency numbers 0806 600 6475, 0708 325 0154, 0805749 3117, 0706 737 4913 and called on the members of the public to report issues of concerns through out the election period.
