The Edo State Police Commissioner, Mr Fimihan Adeoye has dismissed as mere gossip the accusations and counter-acccusations by the political parties in the State that over 8,000 were recruited to cause mayhem  before the September 10 scheduled governorship election was postponed.

 "We can say categorically that Edo state is safe for the election. We are also committed to ensuring that the State is safe at all times. All allegations are mere rumours, as we have not made any such arrest. No arrest of militants in any hotels in the State. We are investigating and have not made any arrest in any hotel and farmland. we are not aware of any militant in police custody over the forthcoming Edo election". he said

 The Edo State Police boss Adeoye, was  dispelling  the rumours  that militants from neighbouring states  of Delta, Kogi and Rivers have infiltrated the state to cause violence ahead of the Edo governorship election earlier scheduled for September 10.

 Briefing journalists at the State Police Command in Benin city shortly after parading 32 suspects, Adeoye said the state police command has not arrested any militant as been alleged by the different political parties contesting in the forthcoming Edo governorship election.

 He added that  the police would not be dissuaded from performing its lawful duties insisting that it would resist," any form of political coloration", debunking the claim that over 8,000 militants and thugs from other states have been deployed into the state.

 He pledged the police neutrality before, during and after the elections, noting that the police is committed to the protection of lives and property of all and sundry regardless of political affiliation. "the police is not interested in whatever political party anybody belongs to. Our duty is to rid the state of any form of crime and criminality."

 The Police boss also  urged Edo People to go about their lawful businesses without fear or intimidation, stressing that no militant or arrest of militants have been made in connection to the alarm raised by various stakeholders alleging that militants are already in the state and residing in some hotels and farmland in Edo state. 

 Speaking on his achievement in the last few days of assuming office as the new Edo police Commissioner, Adeoye said the police only apprehended one , Tirim Ade, who was alleged to be in possession of fire arms and later arrested a "repentant ex-militant" , Pere Ejune , a brother to the latter after investigation and noted that the arrest of the duo is under going investigation.

 According to the Police Commissioner, items recovered from the suspect, Tirim Ade, include, one double barrel gun, one cut to size gun and 18 cartridges.