By SUNDAY JOHN

The Police Command in Nasarawa State has announced temporary traffic diversion and movement restrictions in parts of Lafia ahead of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 4.

The Command said the measures were part of security arrangements for the visit of President Bola Tinubu and other dignitaries to the state.

SP Ramhan Nansel, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, disclosed this in a statement signed on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Mohammed, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Lafia.

Nansel said that the rally was expected to attract top government functionaries, political leaders, dignitaries from across the country, APC faithful and supporters.

He said the Command had put in place comprehensive security and traffic management measures to ensure the safety of the President and his entourage, participants and members of the public.

According to him, the measures are also aimed at maintaining peace, law and order before, during and after the rally.

“Consequently, temporary traffic diversions and movement restrictions will be implemented around designated routes, adjoining roads and strategic locations within the metropolis to facilitate the smooth movement of the Presidential convoy, effective crowd management and the overall security of the event,” he said.

Nansel advised motorists, tricycle operators, commercial motorcycle riders and other road users to cooperate with security personnel deployed for traffic control and comply with directives at diversion points.

He urged commuters to plan their journeys ahead, allow for possible delays, use alternative routes and avoid unnecessary stops or obstruction of traffic along major roads and access routes to the rally venue.

The PPRO also advised business owners, transport operators and residents in affected areas to make adequate arrangements for their daily activities in anticipation of the restrictions.

He appealed to residents to remain calm, exercise patience and cooperate with security personnel to ensure a hitch-free event.

Nansel urged political stakeholders, party supporters and residents to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly.

He particularly advised persons without legitimate business at the rally venue and restricted security zones to stay away to prevent overcrowding and security breaches.

He also urged oppositeion parties and other political groups to respect the rights of others and avoid actions capable of disrupting public peace.

Nansel assured residents that adequate security personnel had been deployed to strategic locations across the metropolis to maintain law and order, manage traffic and protect lives and property.

He regretted any inconvenience the temporary arrangements might cause and solicited the understanding and cooperation of residents and road users.

The Command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements, unattended objects and other security concerns to the nearest police station. (NAN)