By Bukola Olamona

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As Christians gear up to celebrate Easter, security agencies have taken over major parts of Ondo State with heavy deployments of personnel, patrol vehicles, and tactical squads to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

From traffic control to crime prevention, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have all launched full-scale operations aimed at ensuring a safe and hitch-free festive period.

To keep the roads free of accidents and gridlocks, the FRSC said it had mobilised 17 patrol vehicles, five ambulances, and two tow trucks across key locations in the state. No fewer than 700 regular officers and 200 special marshals have also been deployed to caution reckless drivers and handle emergencies.

Speaking with newsmen in Akure on Thursday, the Ondo Sector Commander, Dr. Samuel Ibitoye, said the command had also set up mobile courts for the speedy trial of traffic offenders caught during the Easter period.

“As people celebrate Easter and travel to visit family and friends, we’re not taking any chances. We have put in place necessary measures to prevent crashes and ensure free flow of traffic,” Ibitoye said.

He appealed to motorists to drive with caution, adopt defensive driving habits, and avoid claiming right of way unnecessarily.

For the NSCDC, Commandant Oluyemi Ibiloye made it clear that the corps was leaving nothing to chance this season, saying all tactical units including the Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Rapid Response Squad, Agro Rangers, and even the elite CBRNE team—Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives—had been activated.

“Churches and worship centres are of top priority, and our officers have been instructed to ensure zero tolerance for security breaches,” Ibiloye stated.

While wishing Christians a peaceful celebration, he warned residents against complacency, urging them to report suspicious movements.

“Security is a collective responsibility. If you see something, say something,” he said.

The Ondo State Police Command is also not taking chances. A massive deployment of officers and tactical squads has been executed across churches, recreational centres, major roads, and public gathering spots.

Police spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, in a statement on behalf of Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, said patrols would be intensified across all divisions while surveillance activities will be sustained throughout the season.

Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers have been directed to ensure total coverage of their jurisdictions, while the public is encouraged to celebrate responsibly and cooperate with law enforcement agencies.

“We are fully committed to ensuring the protection of lives and property during and after the Easter period,” the statement read.

With these coordinated efforts, residents can breathe a sigh of relief—but the message from security chiefs remains loud and clear: celebrate, but stay alert.