Osogbo – The security agencies, especially the police and the army, have mounted heavy surveillance in form of patrols and searches at check-points in Osogbo ahead of Saturday’s Osun governorship election.

The  detachments of armed mobile police, in a motorcade, are patrolling strategic streets of Osogbo, blaring sirens and causing traffic gridlock in the town.

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An increased presence of policemen and soldiers was observed at various check-points on major roads leading to the state capital.

The operatives stop and search motorists, especially travelers in and out of the town, to ensure that dangerous weapons are not taken in or out.

A detachment of regular and mobile policemen were also seen at the INEC state office on Gbongan road, screening people entering and leaving the premises.

Security operatives were strategically stationed on Ife-Ibadan dual carriage way, the major entry into Osogbo.

Residents of Osogbo, including hawkers, said the security operatives had been patrolling the highway barely 48 hours to the election.

NAN reports that President Goodluck Jonathan had, during the PDP state rally in Osogbo on Aug. 2, said that security would be beefed up in the state during the election to prevent miscreants from disrupting the exercise.

Similarly, INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega on Wednesday reiterated the commission’s support for security agencies and explained the reasons for the heavy presence of security.

He said it would not prevent voters from exercising their franchise, adding that they were meant to protect lives and property of residents