1st April, 2011
In response to the alarm raised by the police and state government Friday, a reinforcement of heavily armed soldiers and policemen have been drafted to man the major roads and flash points in Jos, capital of Nigeria’s Plateau State to forestall possible violence before and during the elections .
Armoured tanks with menacing looking armed soldiers were also stationed in strategic areas including the Independent National Electoral Commission .
Explaining why many soldiers were mobilized , the Special Task Force Commander ,Brig Gen.Hassan Umaru told newsmen that the military is not willing to take any chances during the election period.
The newly deployed Police Commissioner to Plateau , Dipo Ayeni also gave hint when he addressed press men immediately he resumed today on the preparedness of the police to guarantee safety of lives and property during tomorrow’s elections . According to him , 9,094 policemen have been deployed to provide security at polling units and other parts of the state .
He warned that ” any body caught trying to breach peace in the state would be dealt with accordingly”.The Plateau Commissioner of Information, Mr Gregory Yenlong also explained to P.M.News the reason for reinforcement of more police men and military personnel to man every nook and cranny of the state.
He emphasized that the state government will not allow hoodlums to hijack the elections and breach existing calm being enjoyed in the state.”Yenlong who expressed optimism that the elections would be free of violence, urged all electorate to vote without fear stressing ” no cause for alarm “.
