Tight Security At Ondo INEC Office Ahead Of Governorship Election
Heavy security presence has been reported at the Ondo State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as preparations intensify for Saturday’s governorship election.
The facility is under tight surveillance, with armed personnel from the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) stationed strategically around the premises.
Outsiders attempting to access the INEC headquarters face rigorous frisking by security operatives, while patrol vehicles are positioned at the entrance gate and along the major road leading to the office.
Sniffer dogs have been deployed within and around the premises, adding to the layers of security. Roadblocks have also been set up on key roads leading to the facility.
This heightened security comes in the wake of a statement earlier in the week by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who announced that 43,157 security personnel would be deployed across polling units, ward and LGA collation centres, and other strategic locations in the state.
Egbetokun assured voters and stakeholders of adequate security during the election process, emphasizing the police’s readiness to ensure a smooth and peaceful exercise.
He said, “It is expected that Four (4) Police personnel will be deployed at each polling unit, which implies that 15,732 conventional police personnel will be required for the 3,933 polling units and voting points in the State.
“This will be complemented by the Armed Forces, the Intelligence Security Agencies and other sister Security Agencies. 8,500 personnel from the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency will be deployed to augment the Police strength. This will bring the total number of security personnel deployed for the election to 43,157.”
Ayuba Philips, deputy commandant general in charge of operations at NSCDC, warned operatives to avoid any action that could undermine the election.
He added that any officer found culpable would dismissed from service.
Ayuba said, “We want the people to trust us and also believe in us, that we shall give them the best and nothing but the best.
“However, let me just say, from the authority of the defence. We don’t condone any act of unprofessionalism from any of our officers and men.
“Anybody who decides to commit any atrocity, I think he is asking himself to be out of the system. We shall not leave anybody. Once you commit, you should know your way is out.”
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