Electoral violence: Police nabs thugs with firearms in Edo

The Edo State Police has released information announcing the arrest of two political thugs during an overnight raid in Edo State aimed at preventing electoral violence. The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the arrests on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday.

The suspects, Edwin Obanor, 43, and Audu Tajudeen, 41, were captured in separate incidents. Obanor, reportedly the leader of an armed group, was arrested around 9 p.m. in Oredo Ward 4, while Tajudeen was apprehended in Igara Akoko.

Acting on intelligence about potential violence during the elections, police recovered three cut-to-size locally made pistols from Obanor and one from Tajudeen. Adejobi described the arrests as a major step in the fight against electoral violence and assured the public of the police’s commitment to maintaining peace during the upcoming governorship election.

He emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force will not tolerate any form of violence or disorder in Edo State and called on the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activities through designated helplines, reinforcing the force’s dedication to protecting lives and property. Both suspects are currently in custody and will face prosecution.