The Ekiti State Police Command has announced a restriction on both intra-state and inter-state vehicular movement across the state ahead of Saturday's governorship election.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, the restriction will be in effect from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on election day and will apply to all roads within the state, including major highways.
The command explained that the measure is aimed at preventing the movement of political thugs and other criminal elements who may attempt to disrupt the electoral process.
The restriction covers private and commercial vehicles, trucks, tricycles, and motorcycles. Travelers intending to pass through Ekiti State during the period have been advised to use alternative routes.
However, students and candidates participating in national examinations and assessments are exempted and will be allowed to travel to their examination centres.
Also exempted are accredited INEC officials, ad-hoc staff, journalists, election observers, medical personnel, emergency responders, and other essential service providers. Such individuals are required to carry valid identification and clearance tags.
The police noted that emergency medical movements will also be permitted, while the movement of VIPs with armed escorts to polling units and collation centres will not be allowed.
The command further directed vigilante groups, quasi-security outfits, and volunteer security groups to stay away from polling units and collation centres throughout the election period. Construction companies have also been advised to suspend road construction activities during the restriction period.
Residents were urged to comply with the directive and cooperate with security agencies to ensure a peaceful, free, and credible election.
The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Ekiti Governorship Election, Dr. Abayomi Shogunle, encouraged eligible voters to come out and exercise their civic rights while remaining law-abiding.
He assured residents of adequate security before, during, and after the election and urged them to report any suspicious activities through the police emergency line: 08062335577.
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