The Police and other Heads of Security Agencies in Oyo have barred vendors of food, alcohol and other consumables from operating around polling units during Saturday’s election.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebowale Williams, made this known while briefing newsmen on the outcomes of the strategic security meeting of all Heads of Security Agencies and paramilitary organisations on Thursday in Ibadan.

Present at the meeting were the heads of NSCDC, FRSC, Nigerian Army, Customs, NDLEA, SSS, Nigeria Correctional Service, among others.

According to him, in a bid to secure a safe and conducive environment for the electorate in the interest of Public Order and Safety, the extant ban on the following remains in force; VIP escorts, accompanying their principals to polling units.

He said: “Vendors of food, alcohol and other consumables shall not be allowed to operate around polling units/wards as no opportunity shall be created for points of negotiation to aid vote-buying.

“Going armed is a criminal offence and would be viewed seriously. On election day, don’t be caught with as little as a knife in your pocket.

“In addition, residents are advised against placing physical objects such as bricks, wooden materials or stones on streets and major roads under the guise of recreation as it might debar immediate intervention during times of distress.

(NAN)