Osun election: Security operatives take over strategic locations

Thousands of police officers and other security personnel have been stationed in strategic places ahead of the Osun governorship election. 

The state governorship election is billed to be held on Saturday.

Usman Baba, inspector-general of police (IGP), said 21,000 officers had been deployed for the election.

The IGP, who spoke in Osogbo at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stakeholders’ meeting, said the deployment was not to intimidate residents but to prevent miscreants from hijacking or disrupting the election process.

Johnson Kokumo, deputy inspector-general of police in charge of the election, also announced restrictions of both vehicular and human movements during the election. 

Kokumo announced the measure at the end of a police interactive session with ‘accredited election observer groups, NGOs and the media, ahead of the election.

He said essential workers, accredited election observers and the media would be allowed to operate.

 The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has deployed 11,226 personnel to provide security for the election as well.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has also deployed 1,500 personnel, 35 vehicles, two trucks and ambulances to clear road obstructions, carry out rescue operations in case of emergencies, and maintain orderliness in polling booths.