By Bukola Olamona

Ahead of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration, security agencies in Ondo State have assured residents of robust and comprehensive security arrangements to ensure a peaceful and incident-free festival.

In a statement made available to Weekend Hope and signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the Command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property throughout the Sallah period.

The statement disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Adetokunbo, has ordered the strategic deployment of police personnel to Eid prayer grounds, recreation centres, marketplaces, highways, and other key public areas. 

The deployment also includes tactical squads, detectives, and intelligence operatives, all tasked with maintaining heightened surveillance and ensuring swift responses to any security threats.

Furthermore, the CP directed Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to strengthen patrols, boost police visibility, and provide 24-hour security coverage across the state during the festive season.

While felicitating with the Muslim faithful, the Command urged the public to embrace the spirit of Eid-el-Kabir by promoting values of sacrifice, obedience, and compassion. It also cautioned residents to be law-abiding, celebrate moderately, and report any suspicious activity promptly, warning that any attempt to disrupt the peace would be met with decisive action.

In the same vein, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ondo State Command, has deployed no fewer than 1,500 personnel—including both regular and special marshals—to maintain traffic order during the celebration.

Speaking in an interview with Weekend Hope, the FRSC Sector Commander, Dr. Samuel Ibitoye, said the Corps has mapped out locations known for traffic congestion and will deploy officers to manage such areas effectively to ensure seamless movement for travellers.

He advised motorists to exercise patience and accommodate the mistakes of other road users to avoid accidents. “If you are patient, you’ll eventually get to your destination safely. Don’t insist on your right on the road. If someone encroaches on your space, just let them go—assume they don’t know how to drive. At the end of the day, you’ll both get to your destinations safely,” he stated.

In a similar development, the Ondo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has also deployed 900 tactical operatives to maintain law and order during the festive period.

The Commandant, Mr. Oluyemi Ibiloye, said the deployed personnel were drawn from various specialised units including the Intelligence Department, Special Female Squad, Quick Response Team, Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Operations Department, Agro Rangers, Motorised Patrol Team, and the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives (CBRNE) Unit.

According to Ibiloye, the operatives are tasked with ensuring the safety of lives and property, protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, and forestalling any criminal activities during and after the celebration.