Edo election: Police arrest thugs, recover arms in night raids

Police operatives have arrested two suspected political thugs in the Igara Akoko area of Edo State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

Adejobi identified the suspects as 43-year-old Edwin Obanor and 41-year-old Audu Tajudeen, who is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at Ugbogbo quarters in Igara Akoko.

He said the police operatives, while acting on a tip-off that some individuals had been armed to cause mayhem during the election on Saturday, swooped into action and apprehended Obanor, a suspected leader of an armed group, at Oredo Ward 4 at about 9 p.m. on Friday.

The police spokesperson added that Tajudeen was apprehended at Igara Akoko on Friday night.

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Adejobi stated: “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.

These arrests are a testament to the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring a peaceful electoral process. The police and other supporting security agencies will 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 reassure 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 helplines.”

The Star