Despite reports of the deployment of 12,000 security personnel for the local government elections in Oyo State, the streets of Ibadan were noticeably devoid of policemen and other security agents causing residents to defy curfew.

Contrary to the anticipated restriction order on human and vehicular movements, people and vehicles were observed moving freely within the city, disregarding the supposed lockdown according to the News Agency of Nigeria report.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebola Hamza, had earlier announced the deployment of 8,000 policemen and 2,125 personnel from other security agencies for the elections, with a planned restriction on vehicular movement from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

However, NAN correspondents who conducted a survey of Ibadan city on Saturday morning found a stark absence of security agents.

By 7:45 a.m., no security personnel were sighted from General Gas to Dugbe, and similar observations were made at other major areas like Iwo-Road, Challenge, Apata, Bere, Gate, Ido, and Omi-Adio.

Private car owners, commercial drivers, and motorcycle riders continued their activities without hindrance, ferrying passengers across the metropolis.

Meanwhile, electoral officials and materials experienced delays in reaching various polling stations. As of 7:30 a.m., some officials were still awaiting election materials at Ibadan North-West and Ibadan South-West Local Government Areas.

In Ward 10 of Ibadan South-West council area, no electoral official had arrived at polling units 19, 20, and 21 by 8:05 a.m., and similar delays were observed in Ward 11.

Despite the sluggish start, food vendors set up their shops near polling stations, government contractors worked on road medians, and children gathered for leisure activities.