By Dayo Johnson Akure

POLICE authorities in Ondo state have deployed  3,000 officers to maintan law and order in today’s  by-election in Ilaje /Ese Odo Federal Constituency of the state.

Spokesman of the  Command Wole Ogodo said yesterday in Akure. that the command was fully ready to ensure that the election is violence-free.

According to him, “ the Command has fully prepared for this election.We have deployed over 3,000 officers and men to the places where the election would be held and our men are also  battle-ready to tackle any act of thuggery and violence during and after  the election “

He appealed to the politicians to shun all acts that can cause violence at the election, saying whoever is caught causing trouble will be adequately dealt with by the police.

The by- election was sequel to the death of Hon Rapheal Nomiye representing the constituency in the House of Representatives.

Nomiye died in November last year.

Seven political parties are contesting in today’s election but only three are dominant.

They include Labour party which is fielding Kolade Akinjo; PDP, fielding  Adewale Kukute and APC’s  Adewale Omojuwa.