Governorship Election: Edo Govt, Security Agents Meet To Mop Up Arms

The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has expressed the readiness of his administration to mop us arms in the state ahead of the September 19, governorship election.

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State stated this after presiding over the State Security Council meeting at the Government House, Benin City.

Obaseki noted that the council deliberated on several issues, including the spread of COVID-19, data of crimes in the state and concerns over the build-up of arms.

Obaseki said, “On COVID-19, we looked at how to increase compliance to COVID-19 rules particularly in the light of electioneering that has commenced.”

He explained that the review of COVID-19 data showed that community spread of the virus was at an all-time high of about 80 per cent, as the state continued to record increasing cases.

The governor also said, “With the level of spread as we are approaching electioneering, we decided to take measures by increasing risk communication, letting the people know the risks associated with not complying with COVID-19 rules.”

“We looked at the data of crime incidents in the state and noticed an increase in kidnapping cases and homicide, resulting from cult activities. We also looked at the security environment and noticed related arms build-up ahead of the September 19 governorship election in the state.”

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Johnson Kokumo, noted that the security operatives are concerned about the arms build-up, but added that it was putting measures in place to ensure a mop-up before the polls.

Kokumo added that some individuals have been apprehended in the state with arms and ammunition, noting that they would have their day in court as soon as investigations were concluded.