The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Mohammed Adamu has alerted the public to the high possibility of violence and attacks in the upcoming Edo and Ondo states gubernatorial elections.
He revealed that politicians in both states are not only making inflammatory comments in the build up to the elections, but also arming political thugs to wreak havoc and cause unrest in the society.
The gubernatorial election in Edo is scheduled for September 19, while that of Ondo is October 10.
The IGP made this revelation in a statement by Frank Mba, force spokesman, on Sunday in Abuja, the national capital.
The Police Chief 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-attacks by political opponents during the elections.
“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, noting 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.
