Heavy security presence in Benin City as Edo election begins. Benin City is on high alert as the Edo State gubernatorial election kicks off today, with a heavy presence of soldiers and police officers deployed across the city. Many major roads, including the busy Sakponba Road, have been completely blocked since early morning, causing significant disruptions.
By 4 a.m., security personnel began setting up blockades using tyres and other objects to restrict traffic flow. Checkpoints have been established at various locations, where officers are stopping and searching vehicles and pedestrians. Voters heading to polling units are being thoroughly screened before being allowed to proceed.
Most roads were fully closed by 6 a.m., and only essential workers and emergency services were permitted to pass through the security cordons. This heightened security is part of efforts to ensure a peaceful and orderly election process as residents cast their votes.
The election features candidates from 17 political parties, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the main contenders. As voting gets underway, all eyes are on the security forces to maintain order and prevent any incidents of violence or disruption.
