The Edo State Police Command has announced a statewide restriction of movement ahead of the Saturday, July 11, 2026, Local Government Council Elections, warning that anyone who violates the directive or attempts to disrupt the electoral process will face the full weight of the law.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the Command said movement across the state will be prohibited from 12:00 midnight (0000hrs) to 6:00 p.m. (1800hrs) on election day as part of comprehensive security measures to ensure a peaceful, orderly and credible poll.
According to the police, the restriction is aimed at protecting voters, electoral officials, sensitive election materials and preventing any breakdown of law and order during the exercise.
The Command clarified that only officials of the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), accredited election observers, duly accredited media personnel, security agencies, emergency responders and other essential service providers on election duty will be exempted from the restriction.
It urged residents to comply fully with the directive, noting that security personnel have been strategically deployed across the state’s 18 local government areas to enforce the order and guarantee public safety throughout the election.
The police further warned that any individual or group found violating the restriction or engaging in activities capable of undermining the electoral process would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, reassured residents that adequate security arrangements had been put in place to safeguard the election and maintain peace before, during and after the exercise.
He also encouraged eligible voters to come out peacefully to perform their civic responsibility in line with the guidelines issued by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to delivering a free, fair, peaceful and credible local government election across the State.
