By Ahmed Ajikobi
For ensure a hitch free Eid-el-Fitr celebration no fewer than 7,000 security men will be deployed across Kwara State with the larger concentration expected in Ilorin, the state capital.
This was gathered yesterday when National Pilot contacted various security agencies on their plans for the Sallah celebration.
According to a statement issued by the state Police Command, 1,500 officers would be deployed while the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)has allocated 2500 of various locations in the state. Similarly, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), will be positioning 1,200 officers, Kwara State Road Transport Management Authority (KWARTMA), 120 and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria(VGN), Kwara State Command has also deployed 1,700 of its men.
The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Police Command, CP Aminu Pai Saleh, yesterday congratulated Muslim Faithful in the state on the successful completion of the Ramadan fasting.
This was contained in the statement signed by the Command spokesperson, DSP Ajayi Okasanmi.
“The CP wish to assure members of the public of the preparedness of the Force to provide adequate security for lives and property of Kwarans before, during and after the celebration.
” One thousand, five hundred (1500) police men and women drawn from all the departments have been deployed in Ilorin while adequate provision has also been made to security other parts of the state,” he said.
The CP urged Islamic clerics to shun inciting and seditious preaching adding that Eid ground is neither a campaign nor partying venue, hence, political statements, slogans and gatherings will not be accepted at the praying venue.
“Criminals are advised in their own interest to change their ways as the Command will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute any law breaker.
“The general public are advised to report any suspicious movements in their area to the Police through these phone numbers; 08125275046, 08032365122,”
Similarly, the Commander of the FRSC, Sunday Maku in Kwara State, while speaking with our reporter, yesterday, charged road users not to keep petrol in their car trunk adding that they should abide by the rules and regulation.
Maku further said that between 15 and 20 patrol vans are on ground for patrol during the celebration with more vehicles still being expected from the FRSC Zonal and national headquarters. He added that the command is partnering private toll truck including KWARTMA to avoid any obstruction.
Maku stated that ambulances will be stationed in Ilorin and Bode-Saadu among other areas while urging drivers to avoid intake of alcohol during the celebration.
Also, the NSCDC Commandant, Adeyinka Fasiu charged Muslims to go about the celebration without infringing on the peace of others.
In his words, the chairman , VGN, Kwara State Command, Saka Ibrahim 1,700 of his men will from Thursday take over strategic locations especially in the state capital.
