Okpekpe road race: More than 500 security personnel deployed

Okpekpe road race: More than 500 security personnel deployed

NAN-S-5

Security

Okpekpe (Edo), May 13, 2017 (NAN) No fewer than 500 security personnel were deployed to provide security for the athletes, officials and  visitors at the 5th Okpekpe 10km road race.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the  police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), had about 400 of its personnel  on ground, while the DSS had an undisclosed number.

Spokespersons for police and NSCDC, Moses Nkombe and Efosa Ogbebor told  NAN that aside their armed personnel, intelligent officers were also deployed for the race.

Efosa Ogbebor, NSCDC spokesman said  adequate  personnel were deployed  to cover the athletes and visitors for the race.

According to him, the officers were effectively mobilised for the annual race to forestall unforeseen circumstances.

“We had on ground both armed, unarmed, special forces, as well as under cover officers deployed to the area.

“These officers were positioned strategically to prevent any unforeseen circumstances, before, during and after the race.

“We did not only concern ourselves with the race proper, but also provided security at various points, including the hotels across the area before, during and after the race,” Ogbebor stated.

Similarly, Nkombe, the police spokesman, said, said as usual, the force had prepared for the 10km road race.

NAN reports that aside the conventional security agencies, local vigilance group  in the area also mobilised for the marathon race.

NAN also reports that handful of personnel of the Nigerian Army and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), were also on ground to provide additional security and control traffic respectively.

The vigilance members were seen strategically positioned at various positions to provide security.

NAN reports that about 3,000 athletes, including 15 foreigners, registered for the 5th edition of the race.

Gov. Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu along with the grand patron of the race and former governor of the state, Adams Oshiomhole, all ran for charity in the race. (NAN)
ESI/MEMO/

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Edited by Mike Mbonye