The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu has declared that security operatives on election duty in Kogi state will not hesitate to gun down any unauthorised person attempting to use firearm in any part of the state during the ongoing electioneering process on Tuesday, November 12th.
This was disclosed in a warning issued in Lokoja during a stakeholders’ meeting/signing of Peace Accord among political parties and candidates, organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The police boss, who spoke after INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, had delivered his address, also warned police men on guard duties with politicians not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to perpetrate illegality on election day.
He warned that any policeman caught roaming the street without proper authorisation would be arrested. Adamu, who said the police was working with other security agencies, also warned that the police would be on the lookout for those who would be out on the election day to either buy or sell votes, warning that vote buying remained a criminal offence.
He, however, assured that the police would be professional and be ready to provide a level playing ground for all parties and participants, adding that the police and other security operatives on election duty would protect all INEC and other election officials, as well as materials for the exercise, against attacks.
Adamu said: “Security agents are ready for this election. We pledge to be professional, we pledge to provide a level playing field to all participating parties. Every polling unit, INEC officials and materials, NYSC members and all that will be playing one role or the other shall be secured.
“If you are armed, please report it to the police and surrender the arm now before it’s too late. If you are intending to use arms, be warned. If you are lucky, you will be arrested when you are sighted attempting to use it. If you are unlucky, you will be taken out before you succeed in using it.”