The Edo State Police Command has arrested two political thugs suspected to be working for the All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
According to the police, the suspects were picked up during an overnight raid of some areas across the state.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed in a press statement on Saturday, that three cut-to-size locally fabricated pistols and one locally made gun were recovered from the suspects.
The statement read: “The Nigeria Police Force has made a significant breakthrough in its efforts to curb electoral violence in Edo State with the arrest of two political thugs, namely: Edwin Obanor, 43-year-old and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old Peoples Democratic Party member from Ugbogbo quarters, Igara Akoko, Edo.
“Acting on a tip-off that some individuals had been armed to cause mayhem and instability 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.”
Ademuyiwa added that the arrest is an indication of the commitment of the security operatives to maintain law and order and ensure a peaceful electoral process during the polls in the state.
“These arrests are a testament to the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring a peaceful electoral process,” the statement added.
“The police and other supporting security agencies will not tolerate any form of violence or disorderliness during the election in Edo State.
“The police reassure the public of its dedication to protecting lives and property and, therefore, urges citizens to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via our published helplines.”
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, claimed that the thugs were sent by the All Progressives Congress, APC, ahead of today’s off-cycle governorship election in the state.
The video, which the party posted on its X handle on Friday night shows when the suspects in a Sienna vehicle were arrested by security operatives and recovered arms and other materials from them with voices in the background shouting that the thugs were sent by the APC.