The sponsors of the 5th Okpekpe 10km road race in Edo State have secured the services of hundreds of security operatives to safeguard the lives and properties of participants.
Some of the policemen at the sporting event
No fewer than 500 security personnel were deployed to provide security for the athletes, officials and visitors at the 5th Okpekpe 10km road race.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, had about 400 of its personnel on the ground, while the DSS had an undisclosed number.
Spokespersons for police and NSCDC, Moses Nkombe and Efosa Ogbebor told NAN that aside from their armed personnel, intelligent officers were also deployed for the race.
Efosa Ogbebor, NSCDC spokesman said adequate personnel was deployed to cover the athletes and visitors for the race. According to him, the officers were effectively mobilised for the annual race to forestall unforeseen circumstances.
“We had on the ground both armed, unarmed, special forces, as well as undercover officers deployed to the area.
“These officers were positioned strategically to prevent any unforeseen circumstances, before, during and after the race.
“We did not only concern ourselves with the race proper but also provided security at various points, including the hotels across the area before, during and after the race,” Ogbebor stated.
Similarly, Nkombe, the police spokesman, said, as usual, the force had prepared for the 10km road race.
NAN reports that aside from the conventional security agencies, local vigilance group in the area also mobilised for the marathon race.