Security personnel began setting up roadblocks on roads in Benin as early as 6:00 a.m., ahead of the Edo governorship election scheduled to start at 8:00 a.m.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in the early hours, security forces stopped and searched vehicles at these roadblocks, questioning occupants to ensure safety, law, and order during the election.
Despite the checks, some commercial bus drivers, eager to make quick profits, found ways to bypass the roadblocks and avoid being questioned by the authorities.
There was a strong military presence at popular locations like Ring Road, particularly along Sapele Road, Forestry Junction, and Sapele Road areas, where an armoured tank was positioned at the city center.
Additionally, security was heightened at Okida Road, Ekewaun Road, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office at Ikpoba Hill.
NAN also observed roadblocks near Agbado Market and along the Akpakpava and Sapele Road sections of Ring Road.
Vehicular movement was minimal, with a few pedestrians, likely voters, seen walking along the roads. (NAN)
