JUST-IN: Hours Before Edo Election, Police Arrest Armed Thugs, Recover Firearms

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced a ‘significant breakthrough’ in its efforts to curb electoral violence in Edo State with the arrest of two political thugs in overnight raids, hours before Saturday’s governorship election.

A statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Saturday morning, gave the names of the suspects as Edwin Obanor, 43-year-old, and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old ‘PDP member’ from Ugbogbo quarters, Igara Akoko area of the State.

“Acting on a tip-off that some individuals had been armed to cause mayhem and distability during the election on Saturday, the police operatives swooped into action and apprehended Obanor, a leader of an armed group, at Oredo Ward 4 at about 9pm and Audu Tajudeen at Igara Akoko, Edo, on the eve of the election. Upon searching the bags in their possession, three cut-to-size locally fabricated pistols were discovered on Obanor, while one locally-made gun was recovered from Tajudeen.

“These arrests are a testament to the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring a peaceful electoral process. The police and other supporting security agencies will not tolerate any form of violence or disorderliness during the election in Edo State,” ACP Adejobi stated.

He said that the suspects are currently in custody and will face the full weight of the law, adding that “the Police reassures the public of its dedication to protecting lives and property and, therefore, urge citizens to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via our published help lines.”