Edo guber: No militants in Edo – Police

Edo State Police Command on Wednesday denied the alleged invasion of Edo State by militants from the neighbouring states.

Fimihan Adeoye, the state commissioner of police, made the disclosure at a press briefing in Benin City, the state capital.

BusinessDay gathers that there was widespread rumour making the rounds that militants from the neighbouring states of Delta, Kogi and Rivers have invaded Edo State to cause violence ahead of the earlier scheduled September 10, governorship election.

The police commissioner yesterday dispelled the rumour that over 8,000 militants and thugs had been deployed into the state from other state for the election purpose.

“We can say categorically that Edo State is safe for the election. We are also committed to ensuring that the state is safe at all times. All allegations are mere rumours, as we have not made any such arrest. No arrest of militants in any hotels in the state. We are investigating and have not made any arrest in any hotel and farmland. We are not aware of any militant in police custody over the forthcoming Edo election.

“Police would not be dissuaded from performing its lawful duties. We will resist any attempt that will dissuade us from our constitutional duties of marinating laws and order. There is also no iota of true that over 8,000 militants and thugs from other states have been deployed into the state,” he said.

While assuring that the command would maintain neutrality before, during and after the election, he noted that the command was committed to the protection of lives and property of all and sundry, irrespective of political affiliation.

He however urged the people to go about their lawful businesses without fear or intimidation, and paraded 32 suspects over alleged burglary, cultism, armed robbery and illegal possession of firearms.

He listed the command’s achievement in the last few days of assuming office to include the arrest of one, Tirim Ade, who was alleged to be in possession of firearms.

He said his arrest later led to the apprehension of a “repentant ex-militant,” called Pere Ejune, a brother to the latter, and noted that the arrest of the duo was undergoing investigation.

He displayed items recovered from the suspect (Tirim Ade) to include one double-barrel gun, one cut-to-size gun and 18 cartridges.