The Nasarawa State Police Command has raised an alarm over alleged plans by politicians to disrupt the governorship and House of Assembly elections in the state.
It said certain political people had resorted to importation of thugs to cause breach of peace in some local government areas of the state.
A statement by the command’s public relations officer, DSP Ramhan Nansel gave the names of the affected local government areas to include Nassarawa Eggon, Kokona, Akwanga and Toto.
The development came a day after the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) raised similar alarm over alleged plans to manipulate the electoral through violent means.
The statement warned politicians who may wish to truncate the process to have a rethink, warning that the police in collaboration with sister agencies would deal ruthlessly with anyone caught causing mayhem in the state.
It said security agencies would enforce the restriction order during the electoral process, while warning parents to advise their wards against being used by disgruntled policians.
The statement reads:”It has come to the knowledge of the Nasarawa State Police Command that, some desperate group of politicians in their bid to truncate the electoral process in the State, have resort to importing political thugs into some local governments such as Nassarawa Eggon, Akwanga, Toto and Kokona.
“In view of the forgoing, the Command is using this medium to warn all politicians who are nursing the idea of disrupting the electoral process or contravene the Electoral Act, 2022 to stay away from such and allow the electoral process to be carried out under peaceful atmosphere as the Command will use all necessary forces/do everything within its operational guidelines in synergy with all security agencies in the State to deal ruthlessly or subdue any act that is capable of rupturing the polls come March 18, 2023.
“Furthermore, members of the public and all political parties are to note that, there will be restriction of movement from 12 mid-night of March 17, 2023 to 6:00pm of March 18, 2023.
“Take note also, that accredited observers, journalists, security agents and one accredited political party agent each from all registered political parties would be allowed entrance in all collation centres across the state.”
