Easter: IGP Orders Tight Security In Churches, Recreation Centres

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has directed the  Commissioner of Police in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, to step up security during the Easter celebrations.

The federal government had declared Friday and Monday, April 18 and 21 respectively as public holidays to enable Christians in the country  celebrate the death and Resurrection of the Savior Jesus Christ.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, FPRO, Muyiwa Adejobi, the IGP has ordered all the commissioner of Police, and Supervising Assistant Inspector General of Police, IGP, to provide tight security so as to ensure a peaceful celebrations for the citizens.

In doing that, the Police Chiefs, Egbetokun said must step up surveillance, intelligence gathering and vigilance in all the public places across the country to deter criminals from fomenting problems.

These include churches, recreational centres, highways, amongst other, the IGP said in the statement. He also admonish Nigerians to promote peaceful co-existence in the spirit of the season.

Part of the statement: “‎The IGP hereby directs Commissioners of Police across all State Commands and Formations, and their supervising Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, to enhance visibility policing, extended vigilance, and intelligence gathering to ensure a safe and secure festive celebration for all citizens.

“He also emphasises the critical importance of enhanced patrol and strategic deployment of personnel to places of worship, recreation centres, major highways, and other public spaces to deter criminal activities and provide swift responses to any security challenges that may arise.”

The magazine reports that fears have mounted in some parts of the country following the killings in Plateau and Benue states by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

Over 150 persons, predominantly Christians had been killed in the renewed attacks on some northern communities  by the suspected criminals within the last three weeks.