The Nigeria Police Force has urged residents of Edo State to cast their votes in the election slated for today and return to their homes.

The advice was issued by Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG, Frank Mbah, in charge of security for the election during an interview on Channels Television on Friday. He stated that only individuals accredited to monitor the election will be allowed on the streets.

Mbah noted that vehicular movements in the state will be restricted from 6am to 6pm. He added that the police decided to listen to citizens’ complaints by adjusting the curfew period.

“It is important for everybody to know that if you are not accredited to carry out functions relating to the election, you shouldn’t be out on the streets,” Mbah said. “If you are not an accredited personnel, simply go out there, perform your civil duty, cast your votes, and return to your home.”

“This is an off-cycle election, one of the challenges we have to deal with,” he added.

He also disclosed that the force will manage sympathizers of political parties from other states who are currently in Edo.

The DIG emphasized that it is the responsibility of the police to provide security to everyone, including journalists, observers, and politicians in the state for the election.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that security operatives, mainly the Nigerian Army and policemen, have blocked several major streets and roads.

Daily Post reports that at Agho and Joromi junctions, Ekenwa road, Benin City, military operatives blocked both sides of the road, making passage difficult for motorists.

At Oba market Road, Ebiwe, Forestry, and Mission road junctions were also blocked by the Army and the Policemen.

At Sonkpoba junction, Sapele, Airport roads were blocked by the Army, as well as the Asoro primary school at Sokponba, while Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) belonging to the Army were stationed at Akakpava road by Central Bank of Nigeria.