Edo Police Impose 6am-6pm Curfew Ahead Of Local Govt Elections

The Edo State Police Command has announced a statewide restriction of movement from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, as part of security measures for the conduct of the local government elections.

The command said the restriction is aimed at ensuring a peaceful, orderly, and secure electoral process across the state and will be enforced in collaboration with other security agencies. Security personnel have been strategically deployed across the 18 local government areas of the state to enforce the restriction, protect voters, electoral officials and sensitive materials, and prevent any breakdown of law and order.

According to the police, all vehicular and human movement will be prohibited during the period except for officials of the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC), accredited election observers, duly accredited media personnel, security agencies, emergency responders, and other essential service providers on election duty.

The police said anyone found violating the movement restriction or engaging in acts capable of disrupting the electoral process will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. The Commissioner of Police in Edo, Monday Agbonika, reassured residents that adequate security arrangements had been put in place to safeguard the election and urged eligible voters to conduct themselves peacefully while exercising their civic responsibility in line with the guidelines issued by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, Eno Ikoedem, said that while the restriction is in place, officials will be allowed to move freely during the 6am-6pm window. She added that the command's commitment to ensuring that the local government elections are conducted in a free, fair, peaceful and credible atmosphere.

The command has also warned that the restriction does not affect the movement of essential service providers such as power, water and healthcare workers who will be allowed to move freely to ensure the continuity of services. Other exempted personnel include officials on election duty and those on emergency calls. The police warned that anyone found violating the movement restriction or engaging in acts capable of disrupting the electoral process will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The public relations officer of the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission, Osamuede Ehidiamen, in a statement, said that the commission is working closely with the security agencies to ensure a peaceful and successful election. He urged the public to cooperate with the security personnel and not to engage in any act that could disrupt the electoral process.

The commission also assured voters that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure the safety of voters, electoral officials and sensitive materials.

Meanwhile, residents of Edo State have been advised to stay indoors during the restriction period and only venture out when necessary. They have also been warned not to attempt to breach the restriction as doing so will result in arrest and prosecution.