Operatives of the Nigeria Police have arrested a member of Edo State Vigilante Network simply identified as ‘Dogo’ over unlawful possession of firearms, ahead of Saturday September 21st governorship election in Edo State.

He was nabbed during a raid conducted by police personnel in his residence in Oredo local government area of the State, thereafter taken to the federal Capital Territory (FCT) where he was kept in custody, raising questions over issues of human rights.

Spokesman for the Nigeria Police Command in the State has yet to react to the incident, but Oredo Local Government Council source hinted that police recovered over three light arms from his possession during the sting operation that lasted for about 3 minutes few days ago.

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, had announced the suspension of all quasi security forces in the State at a stakeholders meeting organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission in the State.

He clarified that non conventional security agents will not be allowed to participate in the election and ordered anyone in possession of firearms to return same to the Nigeria police.

But the Majority of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Charity Amayanevbo, dismissed the IGP’s claim, insisting that Edo State Vigilante Network is a product of law made by the State Assembly, therefore it cannot be suspended by the Nigeria police.

Meanwhile, Governor Godwin Obaseki, on Thursday September 19th 2024, decried alleged harassment and intimidation of People Democratic Party supporters in the State, citing a failed attempt by a group of armed police personnel, forcing a middle-aged politician into a security vehicle.

The suspect, according to Governor Obaseki, who spoke on Channel Television interview, was however set free by the police personnel after some women raised the alarm in a viral video on social media.

During the interview, Obaseki said, “A former Governor of the State has more security than a current sitting Governor. They have Armour Personnel Carrier (APC) in front of his premises”.

“How can a former Governor be using police helicopter to campaign for opposition party.

“As at 2a.m today (on Thursday September 19) at Agenobode, two people were kidnapped or arrested, two persons were arrested by security operatives.

“This afternoon, again in Esan Central, they attempted to kidnap somebody”, Obaseki alleged that he has to take proactive measures to protect Edo citizens.