Security has been beefed up at the Ekiti State headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Iyin Road in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

Peoples Gazette observed on Friday that several key security agencies and units, including the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Special Protection Unit (SPU), the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, the State Security Service (SSS) and the Nigerian Mobile Police (MOPOL), were stationed within and outside the premises of the commission’s headquarters.

Some personnel also mounted checkpoints near the commission’s main headquarters, interrogating road users, conducting vehicle inspections, monitoring developments in the area and restricting access to the commission.

The Gazette also observed that paramilitary and public safety agency, Federal Fire Service, was also present at the state’s INEC headquarters.

Similarly, security operatives and patrol vans were stationed at several flashpoints within Ado-Ekiti, particularly in areas such as Federal Poly Road, Efon Alaaye, Ijan and the Ado-Ikare Road.

Earlier on Friday, the police command in Ekiti State announced a restriction on vehicular movement across the state and ahead of the governorship election scheduled for Saturday (tomorrow).

The command’s spokesman, Sunday Abutu, said the restriction of intra-state and interstate movement in the state would begin at midnight on Saturday, lasting from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The command stated that the measure was a necessary and comprehensive security arrangement to ensure a peaceful, orderly and violence-free election.

Private and commercial vehicles, trucks, tricycles and motorcycles were directed to comply, noting that students and candidates participating in ongoing national examinations are exempted from the restriction.

Mr Abutu stated that the movement of VIPs with armed escorts to polling units and collation centres were prohibited.

The command also disallowed vigilance groups, quasi-security outfits and volunteer groups from providing security services during the voting hours.

It directed all construction companies and workers involved in road projects across the state to suspend active construction work during the election hours for safety reasons.

Mr Abutu urged the public to be law-abiding and report suspicious activities to the nearest security agency or contact the police via its emergency line – 08062335577.