Easter: Police, NSCDC beef up security in worship, recreation centres

• CPs direct commanders to deploy personnel in strategic locations, DSS asks citizens to be vigilant
• President urges religious leaders not to curse nation, govs call for prayers

As the nation joined other countries of the world to mark Good Friday and begin the Easter festivities, security agencies on Friday beefed up security in different parts of the country to forestall unsavoury incidents.

The Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the military, Department of State Service, and the Federal Road Safety Corps heightened security surveillance nationwide and deployed key personnel in strategic locations, including worship centres, shopping malls, amusement parks and recreational centres.

The DSS urged Nigerians to remain vigilant throughout the Easter period and advised them to report attempts by criminals to perpetrate crimes during the celebration.

The Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, DSS, Peter Afunanya, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

The statement read, “Consequent upon these, everyone is urged to be vigilant and report attempts to breach security to relevant law enforcement agencies. The DSS website www.dss.gov.ng; email address- dsspr@dss.gov.ng and telephone lines +234915 339 1309; +234 908 837 3514 remain relevant for public guidance.”

Afunanya advised Christians in the country to stay away from illicit drugs, and excessive intake of alcohol, among others.

“Similarly, celebrants are advised to refrain from such behaviours as illicit drugs, and excessive alcoholism as well as reject all forms of bigotry and other social vices during the ceremony. They are, therefore, implored to renew their commitment to the peace, and unity of Nigeria and work towards her inclusiveness,” he stated.

He urged Christians to learn from Jesus Christ and apply his attitude in their daily affairs.

Afunanya said, “The Director-General, management and staff of the Department of State Services wish to felicitate the Christian faithful on the celebration of Easter. It also uses this opportunity to call on Nigerians to draw lessons from the forbearance and humility of Jesus Christ and apply the same in their daily affairs.

“The Service reminds them to use the event which illustrates sacrifice and forgiveness to refocus their love for one another, the nation and humanity at large. On this note, citizens are encouraged to adopt self-control, discipline and compassion in their dealings and conduct. The Service enjoins them to eschew bitterness, disloyalty, fake news, hate speech and violence.”

Lagos, Ogun

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos, Mr Olatoye Durosinmi, assured residents of Lagos and Ogun states of adequate security during the Easter celebrations.

The AIG gave the assurance in a statement signed by the Zonal Public Relations Officer, SP Umma Ayuba, on Friday.

Durosinmi directed the Commissioners of Police in Lagos and Ogun states, alongside commanders of tactical units and all officers in the zone to implement heightened security measures across the region.

The statement read in part, “The security measures include increased patrols and security presence in religious centres, shopping malls, tourist attractions, marketplaces, commercial districts, social gatherings and residential areas.

“Also included are highways and major roads, motor parks, garages, relaxation centres, train stations and bus terminals, critical national infrastructure, government and private property.

“These measures are designed to ensure the safety and security of all residents during the Easter holiday.

“Traffic flow will also be closely monitored to minimise congestion and maintain smooth movement throughout the festive period.”

The police boss, who wished all residents of Lagos and Ogun states a happy and peaceful Easter celebration, encouraged them to celebrate freely without fear of harassment or violence.

Rivers

In Rivers State, the police and the NSCDC said appropriate measures had been taken to forestall any breach of the peace during the Easter celebration.

The police spokesperson in the state, Grace Iringe-Koko, and her NSCDC counterpart, Olufemi Ayodele, disclosed this in separate statements issued in Port Harcourt on Friday.

The two security agencies extended their felicitations to the good people of the state, particularly Christians, on the occasion of Easter, and urged them to pray for God’s protection and peace in Rivers State.

Iringe-Koko, stated, “The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, Olatunji Disu, has ordered the deployment of officers across the state to ensure maximum security of lives and property during the Easter celebration.

“In his operational order, the CP directed all area commanders, tactical commanders, and divisional police officers to deploy personnel and allocate resources to strategic locations within their areas of responsibility.

“These locations include churches, parks, event centres, as well as entry and exit routes in the state.

“Officers deployed on the highways have been instructed to maintain a high level of vigilance and professionalism while carrying out their duties.

“Religious leaders, traditional leaders, parents, and guardians are advised to caution their children and wards against engaging in unlawful activities during the celebration.”

The state NSCDC Commandant, Basil Igwebueze, assured residents of the state of a peaceful and hitch-free Easter.

Igwebueze said all heads of department, unit heads, area commanders, divisional officers and location supervisors had been directed to ensure the appropriate deployment of personnel in strategic points to forestall any form of criminality before, during and after the celebration.

He said the 2,300 personnel deployed were drawn from various units and departments of the command such as the marine unit, arms squad, counterterrorism unit, anti-vandal unit, intelligence unit, anti-human trafficking and illegal migration unit, among others.

Akwa Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command said it had deployed 2,313 officers and men to tighten security around various worship centres and amusement parks during the Easter celebration.

The state Commissioner of Police, Waheed Ayilara disclosed this in a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Odiko Macdon, on Friday.

The statement was titled, ‘Akwa Ibom CP felicitates with Christian faithful, deploys 2,313 personnel’.

“The CP, while thanking God for the prevailing peace in the state, congratulated the government of Pastor Umo Bassey Eno for the developmental strides.

“He particularly prayed for the peace and progress of Akwa Ibom State and called on the good people of the state to remain steadfast in the pursuit of peace, unity and progress of the state.

“For a peaceful celebration of the Easter holidays, the Commissioner of Police has deployed 2,313 officers and men of the command in strategic locations, including worship centres, motor parks, amusement centres etc for the purpose of providing top-notch security before, during and after the Easter celebrations.”

Similarly, the state command of the FRSC said it had deployed a total of 662 personnel, including special marshals, to enhance its visibility and ensure free flow of traffic during the celebration.

It also deployed 10 patrol vehicles, two ambulances and a tow truck for effective coverage of critical areas, prompt rescue and response to distress calls and speedy removal of obstructions from the highways during the period.

This was contained in a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Paul O. James, titled, ‘Easter celebration : Need for safety consciousness’, which was made available in Uyo on Friday.

Abia

Security agencies in Abia State announced plans to make the Easter celebration safe for residents.

While the state police command said it had activated ‘Operation Order’ (Op-Order) for safer Easter celebration, the state Commandant of the NSCDC, Usman Alfadarai, also assured the residents of the state of adequate security of lives and property during the period.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka, quoted the Commissioner of Police, Kenechukwu Onwumelie, as saying, “The command has activated Operation Order {Op-Order) placing adequate security measures before, during, and after the Easter celebrations. Officers have been deployed to ensure safety and security across Abia State.

“Regular and special patrols of essential public spaces and roads in Abia state are ongoing as part of many more covert and overt activities to ensure that the Easter celebration is hitch-free”.

The NSCDC commandant to scale up security for the Easter period after a quarterly review meeting at the NSCDC headquarters in Umuahia, and directed area commanders, divisional officers, and heads of tactical units to be on “yellow” and ensure a hitch-free celebration.

Delta

The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Olufemi Abaniwonda, assured residents and non-residents of the state of the command’s readiness to ensure a hitch-free celebration of the Easter festivities following the massive deployment of officers.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, on Friday.

According to the statement, the CP directed all area commanders, divisional police officers and commanders of the various tactical teams in the command, “to heighten their visibility across the state, to prevent, combat and at the same time, counter serious and violent crimes during the Easter holiday period and beyond.”

The statement partly read, “The CP noted that the police would focus on special crime awareness and prevention operations as well as targeting crimes common over the celebration.

“He further advised the public to be alert, law-abiding and also be actively instrumental to the policing of their environment and aid the police in the fight against criminality during the Easter period.”

Tinubu, govs’ messages

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu and governors of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Edo, Godwin Obaseki; and Kwara, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, among others, shared messages of hope and prosperity in separate statements.

Tinubu said as Christians celebrate the victory of life over death, exemplified by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Nigeria would triumph over its challenges.

He thanked Nigerians for making sacrifices for the past 10 months of his administration, affirming his commitment to steering the nation on a path of “recovery and sustainable growth.”

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President joined the Christian faithful to commemorate Easter, which he described as “a significant moment and a glorious celebration of the triumph of life over death.”

Ngelale said Tinubu “warmly greets Christians in Nigeria and around the world on this occasion, emphasising love, sacrifice and compassion as the patent themes of this solemn season.”

He also noted that the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity was an emphatic lesson for leaders.

He urged Nigerians to yield to selflessness and compassion and be steadfast in the pursuit of a united, peaceful, and prosperous nation.

“The President strongly commends Nigerians for the sacrifices they have made in the past few months for the nation to be steered to the path of recovery and sustainable growth,” said Ngelale.

He assured citizens that the seeds of patience that they had sown were beginning to sprout and would in no time bring forth an abundance of good fruits.

On his part, Sanwo-Olu urged Christians in the state to reflect on the sacrifice and love that Jesus Christ showed to mankind through his crucifixion and resurrection.

He also urged Lagosians to be peaceful and keep the peace and tranquillity that the state was known for during the Easter festivities.

Sanwo-Olu also advocated that the fall in the dollar rate should also be reflected in the cost of goods in the market as the naira is getting stronger.

The governor stated these on Friday after the combined special prayers for Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu in commemoration of the Easter and Ramadan celebrations at Lagos House, Ikeja, according to a statement by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Governor, Gboyega Akosile.

Obaseki similarly charged Christians across the country to reflect on the significance of Good Friday by imbibing the virtues of sacrifice, love, tolerance and selflessness.

The governor said in a statement, “I celebrate with our Christian brothers and sisters as we mark Good Friday, a remembrance of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on Calvary for the redemption of mankind.

“I urge everyone to, in the spirit of the season, reflect on the significance of this day by imbibing the virtues of sacrifice, love, tolerance and selflessness.”

The Kwara State governor appealed to the Christians in the country to seize the occasion of the Easter celebration to renew their faith in God and unite for national and collective growth.

The governor in his Easter message signed by his Chief press secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, sent hearty felicitations to the Christian community in the state and across Nigeria on the Easter celebration.

He said, “Easter evokes the time-tested themes of love, sacrifice, compassion, unity, and triumph of good over evil at different times.

“The sacrifice of Jesus Christ to guide the flock and the enduring legacy he left for humanity call for deeper reflection at this time and always.”

The Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, rejoiced with Christians in the country.

Barau, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, congratulated Christians for the successful completion of the Lenten season, a period of 40 days of fasting and prayer that culminated in the Easter celebration.

He enjoined Christians to imbibe the teachings of Jesus Christ and the lessons of Easter, which emphasise peace, love, perseverance and forgiveness.

Similarly, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, felicitated the Christian faithful and all Nigerians as they celebrate Easter.

She lauded the selfless love of Christ for humanity, urging Nigerians to emulate his virtues and live in peace and love.

Benin monarch

Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, asked God and his ancestors to heal Nigeria during the Easter period.

The prayer was contained in a message of felicitation signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Oba, Osaigbovo Iguobaro, on Friday.

The statement read, “The Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, has called on God and his ancestors to heal Nigeria during the Easter celebration.

“The royal father also admonishes Christian faithful to be Christ-like and pray ardently to God for forgiveness of sins and ask God to heal the nation”.

“The Oba urges Christians to emulate the virtues of Christ in their daily lives and implores them to draw strength from the message of hope offered by the sacrifice of Jesus and promote virtues of love and cohesion, irrespective of their challenges.”