The police have deployed operatives in Ondo to forestall any post-election violence after the governorship poll on Saturday.

Abiodun Alabi, deputy inspector general of police, disclosed this while addressing journalists at the police headquarters in Akure on Sunday after the INEC announced the election result.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the APC was declared the winner by INEC on Sunday.

Eighteen political parties participated in the Ondo off-cycle governorship election.

Mr Alabi said that the police had arrested three people over ballot box snatching at Idanre, Idanre LGA, during the election.

According to him, the deployment supports the democratic process that binds us together.

“In that regard, we have deployed more security operatives across the state to monitor and protect every area, even after the electoral process, for the maintenance of law and order.

“The police and other security agencies will not allow any post-election or ugly incident in any part of the state. Tactical teams have also been put on red alert to forestall any act capable of causing breach of public peace,” the police chief said.

Mr Alabi, who said that the police would continue to rise to its mandate of election security, reaffirmed police commitment to uphold and protect democratic principles.

“Our work does not end here; we will continue to advocate for a transparent electoral process and foster an environment where democracy can thrive.

“In this post-election period, I urge all citizens to come together in a spirit of unity and cooperation. As we forge ahead, let us embrace our shared values and work collectively towards the betterment of our nation.

“Our strength lies in our ability to unite, regardless of our differences, and to support the democratic process that binds us together,” he said.

(NAN)