Security tight in Benin as Buhari starts 2-day visit

Security has been beefed up in and around Benin, the capital of Edo, ahead of President Muhammadu Buhari two-days official visit to the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the President who commences the visit on Monday, is expected to inaugurate a number of projects executed by Gov. Adams Oshiomhole, who is vacating office by Nov. 12.

Men and officers of Police, Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have taken up strategic positions in the areas the President is expected to pass through and the project sites in the capital city.

NAN reports that there is heavy presence of security personnel at the Airport and environs, Golf Course Road and Government House area.

Heavy security is also noticed in adjoining streets close to the airport, such as Ihama, Boundary and Adesuwa roads while security patrol vehicles, manned by the police and army, were seen patrolling airport road.

The presidential visit created traffic challenges in the City on Monday morning, especially Airport road and Siloko road, a road constructed by the current administration which the President is also expected to inaugurate during the visit.

Part of activities lined up for the visit, is the planned courtesy call by the President to the new Benin monarch, Oba Ewuare II, after which he is expected to inaugurate the new central hospital, Siloko road and 2nd East Circular road among others.

On Tuesday, Buhari is expected to inaugurate some projects, including the new Edo University, Iyamoh, in Edo North and Central Senatorial Districts of the state.

Oshiomhole, who was first inaugurated on Nov. 12, 2008 and won his second term in 2012, is expected to hand over to the governor-elect, Mr Godwin Obaseki, on Saturday.