Segun Fagbemi, Ilorin
Ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations in Kwara State, the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has canvassed improved security for the lives and property of its members, especially those residing in less developed areas.
Sunday Hope checks revealed an unusually heavy influx of people into Ilorin, the state capital, as many appear to be relocating temporarily to safeguard themselves against banditry and kidnapping.
Besides, major motor parks in the state capital, such as Maraba, Sawmill, Unity and Ero-Omo, on a daily basis receive more passengers arriving from outside the metropolis than those travelling out.
Our correspondent observed that keeping vigils, usually all-night prayer sessions among Christian faithful, has subsided, if not totally suspended, in many parts of the state. The worst-hit areas are those sharing boundaries with Kogi, Ekiti, Oyo and Osun states. Even in Ilorin, the practice is rarely observed, especially among members of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), an arm of CAN.
Speaking on the development in an exclusive chat with Weekend Hope in Ilorin, the CAN Publicity Secretary in the state, Sina Ibiyemi, Esq., said the Christian body had held a series of meetings with security operatives on how to protect its members during the celebrations.
“We have held a series of meetings with all the security bodies in Kwara on this issue. They have assured us that adequate arrangements are being put in place to guarantee the safety of lives and property of worshippers during the Yuletide.
“Most of these measures cannot be disclosed to the media due to their sensitive nature. But by God’s grace, we shall all be protected against any onslaught before, during and after the yuletide,” Ibiyemi stated.
Dupe Adio, a middle-aged Christian woman residing in Ilorin, said, “Nothing shall separate me from the love of Christ, not even death. The Lord Himself will guide us and shield us from all evils. In Christ alone lies our hope.”
According to sources, many ‘Cross-Over’ events on New Year’s Eve may be suspended in several churches located in bushy areas. In addition, church gates may be closed earlier than usual. The ‘Cross-Over’ event is usually held beyond 12.00 midnight.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the state Police Command, ASP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, has assured celebrants of adequate security arrangements “with other sister security agencies” to ensure a hitch-free Yuletide.