Security has been tightened at the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission ahead of the Local Government elections.

Elections will be conducted in the 18 LGAs of the state to elect chairmen and councillors.

Armoured personnel carriers belonging to the police bomb squad and other security vehicles were seen stationed at strategic positions at the ENSIEC office and its environs.

Stern-looking security agents were also seen manning various locations in and around the ENSIEC office.

The adjoining streets to the commission were also blocked by heavily armed security men.

Further checks showed that other major roads in and out of Enugu were also blocked by security operatives as early as 7:00 a.m. to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

However, those on essential duties such as the media and others were subjected to a thorough search before they were allowed passage at various checking points.

A security agent who spoke on condition of anonymity said that security agents were acting on an order.

He said their duty was to ensure peaceful conduct of the election without compromising the exercise.

The police command had earlier, in a statement, announced that movement would be restricted during the local government elections slated for the 18 council areas in the state.

(NAN)