An uneasy calm has engulfed Osogbo, the Osun State capital, ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, following the reported presence of groups of young men at some hotels and strategic locations across the city.
Monitored reports by TheNewGuru, TNG in parts of Osogbo on Friday indicated that groups of young men gathered at several hotels and other locations as preparations intensified for the poll.
However, the identities, affiliations and purpose of the groups could not be independently established as of the time of filing this report.
The development has heightened concerns among residents, amid fears that political thugs, cult groups or other criminal elements could exploit the election period to mobilise or disrupt the electoral process.
Some residents who spoke during the monitoring exercise urged security agencies to intensify surveillance and intelligence gathering across the state capital, particularly around hotels and other locations where suspicious gatherings are observed.
They also called on the authorities to investigate such gatherings and prevent any attempt to use hotels or other facilities as bases for electoral violence, intimidation or disruption of voting.
Security stakeholders have consistently stressed the importance of intelligence-led policing during elections, particularly in areas considered potential flashpoints.
With the election only hours away, security agencies are expected to maintain a visible presence while closely monitoring movements and activities capable of threatening public safety.
The presence of unidentified groups, however, requires careful investigation rather than assumptions about their identities or intentions.
As voters prepare to cast their ballots, residents and other stakeholders are calling for heightened vigilance and adequate security to protect voters, election officials and electoral materials throughout the exercise.
The priority, observers said, should be to ensure that eligible voters can exercise their franchise freely and safely without intimidation or violence.