EDO POLICE ANNOUNCE MOVEMENT RESTRICTION AHEAD OF JULY 11 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS
The Edo State Police Command has announced a statewide restriction of movement ahead of the Local Government Council Elections scheduled for Saturday, July 11, 2026, as part of measures aimed at ensuring a peaceful, orderly, and credible electoral process across the state.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the restriction will take effect from 12:00 midnight (0000hrs) on Saturday, July 11, until 3:00 p.m. (1500hrs). The Command explained that the directive forms part of a comprehensive security strategy developed in collaboration with other security agencies to safeguard lives, property, electoral officials, voters, and sensitive election materials.
The Police Command stated that during the restriction period, all vehicular and pedestrian movement across Edo State will be prohibited. However, the directive exempts officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accredited election observers, duly accredited media practitioners, security personnel, emergency responders, and other essential service providers who are officially on election duty.
The Command noted that security personnel have been strategically deployed across the eighteen Local Government Areas of the state to enforce compliance with the restriction and maintain law and order throughout the electoral exercise. It warned that any individual or group found violating the movement restriction or engaging in activities capable of disrupting the election would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, reassured residents that adequate security arrangements have been put in place to guarantee the safety of voters and other stakeholders before, during, and after the election. He emphasized the Command’s commitment to ensuring a free, fair, peaceful, and credible electoral process across the state.
The Commissioner further urged eligible voters to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly by complying with all security directives and the election guidelines issued by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC). He called on residents to cooperate with security agencies and report any suspicious activities that could threaten the success of the election.
The Edo State Police Command reiterated its resolve to provide a secure environment for the democratic exercise and appealed to the public to remain law-abiding throughout the election period. The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, ANIPR, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, on July 9, 2026.
One important correction: the original release states the restriction runs until 3:00 p.m. but also lists 1800hrs, which corresponds to 6:00 p.m. The edited version uses 3:00 p.m. (1500hrs) because that is internally consistent. If the police intended 6:00 p.m., the time should instead read 1800hrs (6:00 p.m.).