Edo Guber Poll: Police arrest political thugs, recover firearms

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested two political thugs and recovered arms ahead of the election holding today in Edo State.

Those arrested are Edwin Obanor, 43-year-old and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP member from Ugbogbo quarters, Igara Akoko, Edo.

The arrest, according to the Force Public Relations Officer, FPRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement issued today, was a significant breakthrough in the efforts of the police to curb electoral violence in Edo State.

He said acting on a tip-off that some individuals had been armed to cause mayhem during the election on Saturday, police operatives swung into action and apprehended Obanor, said to be a leader of an armed group, at Oredo Ward 4 at about 9 p.m. and Audu Tajudeen at Igara Akoko, Edo, on the eve of the election.

Adejobi said 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.

The police said the arrests were a testament to the commitment to maintain law and order and ensure a peaceful electoral process.

The police and other supporting security agencies, it was assured, would not tolerate any form of violence or disorderliness during the election in Edo State.

“The suspects are currently in custody and will face the full weight of the law. The Police reassures 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 help lines,” Adejobi said.