Nigerians celebrate Easter Sunday amid tight security

Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Abubakar Mohammed

Nigerians, particularly those in the Federal Capital Territory, Jos and some parts of the North celebrated the Easter Sunday amid tight security. This was due to incessant killings by insurgents.

In Abuja, there was tight security in churches on Sunday for the Easter service as part of measures taken to ensure a hitch-free celebration.

Special operations personnel from the police and other security agencies were on duty at various churches in Nyanya, Karu, Central Area, Wuse, Kubwa, Bwari and other areas, to make sure that residents had a quiet and violence-free celebration.

Worshippers who attended the Easter service were screened by security personnel and private security guards engaged by church authorities.

At a branch of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Gwarimpa, worshippers were searched and screened with metal detectors before they were allowed into the church auditorium.

The same thing was observed at many churches in different parts of the FCT.

Vehicles were also not allowed to move close to the church buildings to prevent them from being used by terrorist elements in compliance with the security advisory issued by the police last week.

The force headquarters had urged worshippers to reduce the number of vehicles at Jumat and Church services to make the task of keeping surveillance on the worship centres easier for security personnel.

The police also advised that abandoned and disused vehicles should not be parked within or close to places of worship and residential areas, adding that vehicles parked overnight on those premises must be properly examined and identified.

A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, noted that empty containers and other receptacles (including dustbins) not in use should be properly disposed or stored far away from the reach of unauthorised persons.

It stated that flower pots and flower edges around residential buildings, offices and worship centres should be kept clear and regularly checked for foreign or suspicious objects.

“The police High Command also enjoins worshippers to make conscious effort to know fellow members of their congregation, as this will make it easier to know who is a stranger in their midst,” the statement added.

Security was also tight in Jos and its environs in preparation for the Easter season.

As early as 5 am, before worshippers hit the road, security men had been stationed on major highways and streets of Yakubu Gowon Road, Rayfield, Bukuru, Hwolshe, Tudun-Wada, Zarmaganda and Farin Gada and Gada Biu.

Fierce-looking security men took over Bauchi Road, Rukuba Road and settlement including Angwan-Rogo, considered as troubled zones.

Security operatives also complemented the local security arrangements of most of the churches to ensure a hitch-free celebration.

However, as of the time of filing this report, no incident had been reported while most of the churches were full of worshipers at various churches and worship centres.

State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Chris Olakpe, who went round the city,  told one of our correspondents that the celebration was conducted without any breakdown of law and order in Bukuru and Jos metropolis.