Police order restriction of movement ahead Ibadan by-election

The Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) and the Oyo State Police Command have directed the closure of markets and restriction of human and vehicular movements during the conduct of Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election on saturday.

The state Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna made this known at a press briefing at the Command Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan on Wednesday.

He listed the affected areas to include Bodija market, Agbowo markets and some other places in Ibadan North-East, Ibadan South-West and their adjoining boundaries.

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According to him, “There will be restrictions on movement from 12 midnight on the election day till 5 pm within Ibadan North, Ibadan North East, Ibadan South West, and their adjoining boundaries to ensure safety and security.

“No uniformed personnel shall escort aspirants to cast their votes at polling units or wards on the day of election.

“The distribution of financial inducements or any form of coercion to influence voters is strictly forbidden.

“Anyone found in possession of any instrument of violence within or outside the voting area will face strict legal action and prosecution.

“The residents should expect a significant deployment of security presence throughout the event.

“Our measures will include high-octane convoy patrols, intermittent shows of force, intelligence-driven raids, stop-and-search operations, and continuous surveillance across the metropolis.

“We urge parents, guardians, and community leaders to play a pivotal role in upholding the integrity of this electoral process.

“We ask that you discourage your children, wards, and protégés from being used as tools for violence or disruption. Failure to adhere to these guidelines will attract legal consequences and sanctions”.

In a related development, all the participating political parties have resolved to allow peace to reign during and after the election period.

A Peace Accord has been signed to this effect at the Independent National Electoral Commission office in Ibadan.

Representatives of all the participating political parties, the Security Service Chiefs including the Police, the Nigeria Army, The Nigeria Airforce, The Nigeria Civil Defence Corps, the Western Security Networks code named Amotekun, the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC), the traditional rulers, the Non Governmental Organisations and host of others were in attendance.