The Federal Government has sent helicopters to Ebonyi to provide aerial surveillance during Saturday’s election.
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Governor Dave Umahi told newsmen in Abakaliki on Friday that the deployment of the helicopters is to complement the security measures already in place in the state.
The governor said the helicopter would fly at low altitude and urged residents not to panic.
He assured that the exercise was to prevent insurgents or bandits from disrupting the elections in Ebonyi region.
“We got a surprise package from the security chief in Abuja whose aim is to have a free, fair and credible election in Ebonyi.
“The plane has landed at our Ebonyi International Airport.
“The mission is to secure our lives and strengthen the confidence of the voters so that the threat by bandits will not appear in broad daylight.
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“I want Ebonyi people to know that the plane will fly high and they should not be afraid.
“It’s there to protect us, assess any flash points and threats and deal with them decisively.
“Ebony people should not be afraid to see these crafts flying in their communities and villages; this is a motivation for me and our people.
“Our people should feel free to fight against threats by bandits because the country is safe,” he said.
Umahi said the election security council meeting held earlier in the day provided a platform for security chiefs to assess security challenges.
“I am happy with the level of arrangements made by the security agencies.
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