The Nigeria Police Force in Oyo State has intensified calls for public enlightenment on electoral conduct and road safety as part of activities marking the annual National Police Day celebration.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Abimbola Olugbenga, made the call during a sensitisation programme held at the Oyo State Police Headquarters. The event, themed “Sensitisation on Violence, Ballot Snatching and Related Offences,” brought together key stakeholders to address critical issues affecting public safety and democratic processes.

Describing the lecture as timely and essential, Olugbenga noted that the initiative was a strategic step towards strengthening civic responsibility, particularly as Nigeria moves closer to important stages in its democratic cycle. He stressed that public awareness remains a vital tool in curbing electoral malpractice and fostering a peaceful environment before, during, and after elections.

The police commissioner emphasised that citizens must be fully aware of the legal and social consequences of engaging in acts capable of undermining electoral integrity, such as ballot snatching, violence, and voter intimidation. According to him, such offences not only threaten the credibility of elections but also endanger lives and property.

Beyond electoral matters, Olugbenga highlighted the importance of road safety, describing it as a shared responsibility between authorities and road users. He called for strict adherence to traffic regulations, noting that compliance is crucial in reducing accidents and safeguarding lives across the state.

Reaffirming the stance of the police, he stated that effective policing cannot be achieved in isolation. Rather, it requires sustained collaboration, mutual respect, and trust between law enforcement agencies and the public. He added that sensitisation programmes serve as critical platforms for educating citizens and empowering them with the knowledge required to make informed and lawful decisions.

Olugbenga further urged participants to actively engage in the discussions and take the message back to their respective communities. He maintained that collective efforts and community participation are indispensable in building a safer and more peaceful society.

In his earlier remarks, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Oyo State, Adeniran Tella, represented by the Administrative Secretary of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Agnes Olutimi, also underscored the need for intensified public enlightenment.

He called for sustained media campaigns and grassroots engagement to educate citizens on the dangers of ballot snatching, vote-buying, and other electoral offences. He further urged political parties to promote peace by shunning hate speech, properly training their agents on lawful conduct, and adhering strictly to peace accords brokered by relevant stakeholders.