Plateau State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Oliver Agundu, has told the Commissioner of Police (CP), Okoro Alawari, that next month’s by-election in the state has heightened security concerns.

He stated this, yesterday, when he and some of his officers visited the CP in his office at the Command Headquarters, Jos.

According to Agundu, the by-election poses potential threats to the electoral process.

Thanking the CP for granting them an audience, he expressed his suspicion of possible acts of violence and the need to emplace effective security measures.

Responding, Alawari assured the REC and his management team of the command’s commitment to a safe and secure electoral process.

He, however, emphasised the importance of maintaining law and order during the exercise, stating that the police would not tolerate any form of violence or electoral malpractice.

The police boss also assured the REC that a comprehensive security plan had been put in place to ensure the safety of electoral officers, voters, as well as sensitive and non-sensitive materials of the commission and the public.

He urged the residents to remain calm, law-abiding and cooperate with security operatives before, during and after the by-elections.

“They are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or individual to the nearest police station or through police emergency numbers,” he added.

The by-elections will be held in Plateau North, where the senatorial election was nullified by the Court of Appeal, which ordered a re-run, and that of House of Representatives in Bassa/Jos North Federal Constituency.