By kawaekwune Jeffrey
Security agencies overseeing the Edo Governorship election have reportedly enforced an early movement restriction, leaving some commuters stranded.
It was gathered that several commuters at the Jattu junction on the Benin-Auchi-Okene highway in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State were stranded.
Security personnel, including officers and men of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Services, and other paramilitary agencies had enforced the movement restrictions order hours before the commencement of the start of the election.
The restriction was part of efforts to maintain security and ensure a smooth election process across the state.
However, this move was said to have caught many commuters, including heavy-duty trucks, smaller vehicles, and motorcycles, off guard.
A truck driver, Musa Adamu, who spoke with the press, said: “I am coming from Abuja going to Delta, and I had felt we could cross Edo before 8 a.m. I am surprised that on getting to Jattu junction, we were stopped by the military personnel who barricaded the road and refused us access.”
Another motorist, Hakeem Saliu, shared his frustration, saying, “The security personnel said that we should remain here until the election is over and that is unfair.”
The New Diplomat reports that the Edo state resident eligible registered voters are going to the polls to vote for the candidate of their choice on September 21, 2024.
Dr Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) are among the leading candidates for the top job of Edo State.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu disclosed that a total of 2.6 million individuals are registered to vote in today’s governorship election in Edo State.
