As controversy rages over the upcoming primaries in Edo State, the Godwin Obaseki government has alerted the public that some people are stockpiling arms and importing hoodlums.
This, it said, was aimed at causing mayhem in the state.
The ruling All Progressives Congress primary has particularly attracted controversy as Obaseki and the leadership of the party do not agree on the mode, which is direct.
While the latter insists on direct primary, Obaseki says the history of APC primary elections and health situation in the world are not conducive to it.
He has particularly been at loggerheads with the party Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, his predecessor and one-time ally.
Warning that it would stop at nothing to stop the alleged intruders, the government noted in a statement on Thursday that reports of such movements of hoodlums had been received.
In the statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Mr. Crusoe Osagie, it noted that the state government would ensure that those culpable of such acts were identified, arrested and prosecuted.
It added, “The Edo State Government has received intelligence reports that some unscrupulous politicians are mobilising hoodlums from neighbouring states to come into Edo through the riverine communities and other land borders, to cause mayhem.
“We want to put the public on alert and warn them to be wary of strange faces and movements in their neigbhourhoods. Once such suspicious persons are identified, members of the public are advised to alert security agencies and the government so that appropriate action will be taken.
“In this light, we warn those stockpiling arms and plotting to cause mayhem to be assured that the government will spare nothing in ensuring that they are identified, arrested and brought to justice, no matter who they are.”
Fears are rife that the primary may spark violence based on the mood in the party.
