- Deployment of personnel in strategic locations as directed by CPs, vigilance urged by DSS
- Religious leaders advised against cursing the nation, calls for prayers by governors
To mark Good Friday and the start of Easter celebrations, security agencies across the country have heightened their presence to prevent any potential incidents.
The Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, military, Department of State Service, and Federal Road Safety Corps have increased security measures nationwide, deploying personnel to key locations including worship centers, malls, parks, and recreational spots.
During the Easter period, the DSS advised Nigerians to stay vigilant and report any criminal activities they come across.
In a statement on Friday, the Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, DSS, Peter Afunanya, highlighted the importance of remaining alert and reporting any security breaches to law enforcement agencies through various channels including the DSS website and designated telephone lines.
Christians were also advised by Afunanya to steer clear of illicit substances and excessive alcohol consumption during the festivities.
He emphasized the need to reflect on the teachings of Jesus Christ and integrate his principles into daily life.
Afunanya expressed the DSS’s well-wishes to Christians for Easter, encouraging them to embrace qualities like sacrifice, forgiveness, and unity.
He urged citizens to exhibit self-control, empathy, and harmony, while discouraging negative behaviors like bigotry and violence.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos, Mr. Olatoye Durosinmi, assured residents of Lagos and Ogun states of a safe and secure Easter celebration.
In a statement released by the Zonal Public Relations Officer, SP Umma Ayuba, Durosinmi directed security personnel in Lagos and Ogun states to implement enhanced security measures throughout the region.
Increased patrols and security presence have been arranged at various locations like religious centers, shopping areas, tourist sites, marketplaces, and residential neighborhoods.
Efforts to monitor traffic flow and prevent congestion during the festive period were also highlighted by the police authorities.
Residents were encouraged to celebrate Easter joyfully and without fear, assured of protection from harassment or violence.
In Rivers State, both the police and NSCDC assured the public of sufficient security measures to maintain peace during Easter celebrations.
Separate statements from the police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, and NSCDC representative, Olufemi Ayodele, emphasized the importance of prayer for safety and peace in Rivers State.
The Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, instructed officers to maintain maximum security in key areas such as churches, parks, and major entry points.
The State NSCDC Commandant, Basil Igwebueze, affirmed the commitment to a peaceful and incident-free Easter, with personnel strategically placed to prevent criminal activities.
Various specialized units within the NSCDC have been mobilized to ensure comprehensive security coverage throughout the festivities.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command also announced the deployment of over 2,300 officers to safeguard worship centers and recreational facilities during Easter.A statement by the commissioner of police in the state, Waheed Ayilara, conveyed through the command’s Public Relations Officer, Odiko Macdon, on Friday, revealed the deployment of 2,313 personnel for Easter celebrations. The statement, titled ‘Akwa Ibom CP felicitates with Christian faithful, deploys 2,313 personnel,’ appreciated the current peace in the state and commended Pastor Umo Bassey Eno’s developmental efforts. The message emphasized the importance of peace, unity, and progress in Akwa Ibom State.
To ensure a peaceful Easter celebration, the Police Commissioner deployed officers to various strategic locations including worship centers, motor parks, and amusement centers for top-notch security measures pre, during, and post the festivities. Similarly, the Federal Road Safety Corps in the state also mobilized 662 personnel, including special marshals, to enhance visibility and facilitate seamless traffic flow.
In Abia State, security agencies announced plans to guarantee the safety of residents during Easter celebrations. The State Police Command activated ‘Operation Order’ for a safer Easter celebration, with the NSCDC Commandant assuring adequate security measures to protect lives and property. The commands are conducting regular patrols and deploying officers to ensure a secure environment throughout the period.
Delta State’s Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, assured residents of a hitch-free Easter celebration, following the extensive deployment of officers. The directive included heightened visibility across the state to prevent and combat crimes during the period. The public was advised to cooperate with the police in maintaining a safe environment.
President Bola Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq of Kwara State shared messages of hope and prosperity for Easter. They emphasized the triumph of life over challenges and urged Nigerians to exhibit love, sacrifice, and compassion not only during Easter but also in everyday life.
Sanwo-Olu called for reflection on the sacrifices made by Jesus Christ, while Obaseki encouraged Christians to embody virtues of sacrifice, love, tolerance, and selflessness. These messages resonated with the spirit of Easter, highlighting the importance of unity and peace for a prosperous nation.Embracing the principles of sacrifice, love, tolerance, and selflessness is important every day, especially during Easter, a time to reflect on these virtues.
The governor of Kwara State urged Christians nationwide to use the Easter season as an opportunity to strengthen their faith in God and come together for the progress of the nation.
In his Easter message, the governor, through his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, extended warm greetings to the Christian community in Kwara State and across Nigeria.
He emphasized that Easter represents enduring themes such as love, sacrifice, compassion, unity, and the triumph of good over evil, calling for a deeper contemplation of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and his impactful legacy for humanity.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, also shared his joy with Christians nationwide for successfully observing the Lenten season, a period of fasting and prayer preceding Easter.
Encouraging Christians to embrace the teachings of Jesus Christ, he highlighted the importance of peace, love, perseverance, and forgiveness exemplified during Easter.
Likewise, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, extended Easter felicitations to Christians and all Nigerians, praising Christ’s selfless love and urging people to emulate his virtues by living harmoniously.
Benin monarch
During the Easter period, Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, prayed to God and his ancestors for healing in Nigeria, expressing his desire for the nation’s restoration and calling on Christians to seek forgiveness and divine intervention.
He encouraged Christians to embody the values of Christ daily, drawing strength from the hope found in Jesus’ sacrifice and promoting love and unity regardless of the challenges they face.
- Additional reports by Dennis Naku, Adeyinka Adedipe, Tunde Oyekola, Patrick Odey, Sunday Nwakanma and Dele Ogunyemi