Edo 2020: Politicians Are Bringing Weapons, Thugs Into The State – Obaseki Raises Alarm

Governor Godwin Obaseki has raised a fresh alarm that some politicians are stockpiling weapons and bringing in thugs ahead of the September governorship elections in Edo state.

The Governor noted that the fresh alarm is based on intelligence reports from security agencies.

Obaseki made this known in a statement on Thursday, in Benin by Crusoe Osagie, his special adviser on media and communications strategy.

He said the hoodlums are being smuggled into the state through riverine communities but the government will not fold its hands and allow them to execute their plans.

He vowed that such thugs and their sponsors will be arrested and prosecuted.

“The Edo State Government has received intelligence reports that some unscrupulous politicians are mobilising hoodlums from neighbouring states to come into Edo through the riverine communities and other land borders, to cause mayhem,” he said.

“We want to put the public on alert and warn them to be wary of strange faces and movements in their neigbhourhoods. Once such suspicious persons are identified, members of the public are advised to alert security agencies and the government so that appropriate action will be taken.

“In this light, we warn those stockpiling arms and plotting to cause mayhem to be assured that the government will spare nothing in ensuring that they are identified, arrested and brought to justice, no matter who they are.

“Governor Godwin Obaseki is charged with the duty of protecting the lives and property of Edo people. He will not abdicate this role because of political expediency.

“This is why he signed the gazette to ensure proper management of political gatherings, a move that was informed by the insights from an epidemiological study conducted by researchers at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).”

Naija News recalls the Edo State governorship election has been scheduled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to hold on September 19 2020.

The APC primary election for Edo is also scheduled for June 22.