By Monday Ajogun

The Principal Security Officer to Gov. Monday Okpebholo, Mr Augustine Okoh, has warned Edo residents against political violence ahead of the 2027 general election campaigns.

Okoh gave the warning while addressing newsmen on Friday in Benin.

He urged parents, guardians and members of the public to caution their wards against allowing themselves to be used by politicians or groups to commit crimes, perpetrate violence or disrupt public peace.

According to him, the state government will not tolerate political thuggery, intimidation, destruction of property, and possession of dangerous weapons.

He also warned that government would not tolerate any act capable of threatening public peace before, during and after the campaign period.

The security officer disclosed that the governor’s special security team had been fully deployed and placed on high alert across the 18 local government areas of the state.

He stressed that anyone found engaging in political violence or related criminal activities would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law irrespective of their status or political affiliation.

Okoh further called on residents to support security agencies by maintaining peace and providing useful information that could help prevent violence and other criminal activities within the political period.(NAN)