by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Plateau State Command, has deployed two thousand and forty-two (2,042) personnel to places of worship, markets and recreational centers to, in collaboration with other sister agencies, maintain peace, law and order and to beef up security before, during and after the celebration.
The Commandant’s Chief, AB Barunde, made this known, while addressing the personnel at the Command’s Headquarters in Jos, Plateau State.
He charged the Tactical Units of the Corps to double their efforts and professionalism in the provision of adequate maintenance of peace, law and order and protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructures in the State during the celebration.
The Commandant assured residents and members of the public of “adequate protection of lives and property” during the celebration.
He called on all law-abiding citizens to be extra vigilant and report any suspicious acts or movement to the appropriate security agencies.
While wishing all Muslims faithful a happy celebration, he admonished them to pray for peace in Nigeria and Plateau State.
Also, Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Bartholomew N. Onyeka, has has put in place proactive security measures to ensure a successful and peaceful celebration in the state.
This has been achieved by maximizing all operational assets of the Command, and has ordered the deployment of officers from all Area Commands, Divisional Police Headquarters and Tactical Teams such as the PMF, CTU, EOD and Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU), to strategic locations within the State and to all Eid Prayer Grounds across the State, and charged them to conduct serious stop-and-search, and show of force in collaboration with other sister security agencies.
He, therefore, urged them to be vigilant, report any suspicious activity and cooperate with security officials, while tightening of security presence will be witnessed during this period in all prayer grounds, recreational parks and other public places within the state, saying, “The above is not to witch-hunt or intimidate anybody, but with a view to ensure a crime-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration on the Plateau.”
The Command is, therefore, calling on parents and guardians to play their part in ensuring that their children and wards do not engage in drug/substance abuse and other forms of anti-social activities during the festivities.
The ban on the sale and purchase of fire works such as knockout and other explosives is a measure to prevent accidents and maintain public safety.
In addition, the CP has placed a ban on the use of tricycles, popularly known as “Keke-NAPEP” within the Jos and Bukuru metropolis on Sallah day, in a bid to ensuring smooth traffic flow and public safety.
He also uses this opportunity to reiterate the fact that the total ban on motorcycles, popularly known as “Okada” or “Going” in Jos and Bukuru metropolis is still in force in the State and will come out hard on anyone with the provisions of the law, who goes against the above Government directives. He also wishes all residents of Plateau State a peaceful and joyous Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
