The Plateau State Police Command has said it has designed an effective security template suitable for guaranteeing a hitch-free atmosphere for the upcoming local government elections.

The command also stated that it has carried out pre- and post-election threat evaluations and has commenced the deployment of personnel to identified flashpoints and vulnerable areas to preempt any potential threats to the smooth conduct of elections in the seventeen local government areas of the state.

This was disclosed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Alfred Alabo, in Jos, the State Capital, on Monday.

He said,

“We are glad to inform you that Plateau State Command has concluded all arrangements, and we are well prepared for the forthcoming elections.

“The CP wishes to warn mischievous elements whose perception of democracy involves the application of violence to reconsider, as law enforcement under his watch is committed to dealing with such characters within the dictates of the law.

“In the same vein, all political actors and their supporters are advised to avoid actions or speeches that could inflame the political atmosphere. Above all, they should cooperate with the Police and other security agencies in our drive to guarantee a peaceful election process.

“Religious leaders meddling in the election process through unguarded utterances should also desist from such actions.”

The State Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, held a meeting today with all critical stakeholders within the State to ensure that all hands are on deck for the smooth conduct of the forthcoming elections.

In attendance were heads of other security agencies, religious and traditional leaders, market organizations, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, political parties, and others.

Adesina assured all citizens of the State of the Command’s optimal commitment to ensuring a peaceful exercise in the State.

“We also wish to inform the public that quasi-security outfits/help groups such as the Neighborhood Watch, Vigilante, etc., are not part of the election security arrangement and are therefore advised to steer clear of election venues and cast their votes at their respective polling units.”

The CP further called on parents, guardians, traditional and religious leaders, youths, and the public to monitor and encourage their children, wards, and subjects to be law-abiding and resist the temptation to be used to cause disturbances of public peace or violate the law during and after the election.

“All electoral observers, both national and international, are advised to ensure that they carry appropriate identification tags issued by the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) and cooperate with security agencies to ensure their safety during the process.

“We call on members of the media to note that they have a pivotal role to play in this historic moment in our lives.”

He added,

“In the past, Plateau State has recorded a series of crises that have set the state back and hampered economic activities.

“Therefore, as partners and stakeholders in election security, our concerted efforts must be geared towards ensuring the peaceful conduct of the upcoming elections on the Plateau and providing unbiased reportage of the events as they unfold.”

He called on members of the fourth estate of the realm to work in partnership with the police, keeping in mind the security and peace of the citizens of the State.

“We also advise that members of the press and those on essential services carry a valid means of identification while on duty to avoid any form of embarrassment from our men on duty.”

“In a bid to ensure the safety and security of the election process, vehicular movement within the seventeen local government areas will be restricted from 12:00 am (midnight) to 6:00 pm on Wednesday, 09/10/2024.

“We, therefore, urge all residents of the State to go out and exercise their franchise without fear of molestation or intimidation of any kind and to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral process,” he admonished.