Jutha Gupah, Maiduguri
The Borno State Police Command has deployed 5,000 policemen for a hitch-free Sallah celebration with three days show of force in Maiduguri metropolis. The command advised worshipers to cooperate with security forces deployed to officially recognize praying grounds for protections during the Edel-Fitri celebartion. There are 15 reconized praying grounds in the various wards of the Maiduguri metropolis. Police Commissioner, Damian Chukwu disclosed this on Wednesday at a news conference held at the Police Headquarters, Maiduguri. “The “show of force” commences today in Maiduguri metropolis and on Thursday and Friday to protect people’s lives and property during the celebration,” he said. He said that the “show of force” is to be conducted by joint team of all security forces in the state. He advised worshippers to arrive early at their respective praying grounds for security screening to avoid rush and stampede of people in areas of worship. According to him, faithfuls are to patronize praying grounds that are nearest to their homes and communities. He also warned that no weapon of any kind will be allowed into the praying grounds. Parents, according to him, should be mindful of their children to prevent incidents of missing persons. He said that because of security threats and recent incidents of suicide bombings, restrictions on vehicular movements will be enforced. The police chief listed categories of vehicles to be restricted to include, cars, buses, tricycles, wheelbarrows, donkeys, horses and camels in desert terrain councils areas of Borno state. He appealed to members of the general public to be of good conduct and report suspicious persons and activities to nearest police and other security agencies.
