From TCNEWS
Muslim Faithful in Umuahia, Abia State, Wednesday, observed the Eid-el-Fitri Celebration in a secured, peaceful atmosphere after a period of 30 days fasting.
Answering questions from newsmen shortly after the prayers at Umuahia township stadium, Abia State, the Chief Imam of Umuahia Central mosque, Mallam Aminu Lawal also tasked Muslims to embrace the Eid message and reinforce their trust to pray for unity, prosperity and stability of the country.
Mallam Lawal who also prayed for God’s protection on both the Christians and muslims, appreciated the cordial relationship existing between them and Abians.
Speaking also, the Chairman Northern Traditional Council, South-south and Southeast, Sarki Yaro Danladi urged Nigerians to rise above ethnic sentiments and work together towards addressing challenges facing the country.
Sarki Danladi, who is also the leader of Northern Community in Abia State, who also stressed the need for Nigerians to show more love, respect for others, patriotism and fervent prayers, urged Muslims and Christians to be more tolerant with one another irrespective of their religious, political or ethnic affinity.
He also called for support and prayers for the State Governor Alex Otti, Hon. Obi Aguocha, member representing Ikwuano/ Umuahia Federal constituency, Sen. Austin Akobundu, representing Abia central senatorial district and President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
Also interacting with a cross section of journalists, CIS Alhaji Mohammed Kirfi, the new Comptroller of Immigration Services, Abia State Command, said the celebration calls for a sober reflection.
He enjoined the rich individuals to assist the needy and downtrodden and also commended the Governor for his service to the state.
The Abia State Police Command had while extending warm wishes to all Muslim faithful on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr Celebration, as contained in a release made available to newsmen in Umuahia by ASP Maureen Chinaka, Police Public Relations Officer on behalf of the Commissioner Of Police, CP Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the safety and security of all residents and visitors in the state.
The release also enjoined all Muslim faithful and the general public to be vigilant and security-conscious and to report to the nearest police station or use our emergency hotline via: 08035415406, 08079210004, 08079210003 and 08079210005, if they noticed any suspicious individuals or activities.
While also soliciting the citizens’ cooperation and vigilance, as it remained crucial in maintaining a safe and peaceful environment for all, the release disclosed that officers have been diligently working to provide adequate security measures to guarantee citizens , residents and visitors before, during, and after the celebration.
“We have enhanced our presence in key areas and will be closely monitoring public gatherings and events to maintain peace and order”, the release had also stated.
Also a press release made available to newsmen by CSC Ndukwe Agu Egwu, Head, Public Relations Unit, THE NIGERIA SECURITY AND CIVIL DEFENCE CORPS, ABIA STATE COMMAND, for the State Commandant, CC Usman Ishaq Alfadarai, stated that the command deployed an additional Eight Hundred (800) Officers and Men serving in the State to strategic locations across the State, to beef up security to ensure a hitch free celebration.
According to the release, the personnel who made the Salah deployment list, were drawn from Area Commands, Divisions, Tactical Units and Special Forces to provide adequate backup to operatives in the field already carrying out routine security duties.
Commandant Alfadarai, according to the release, tasked the personnel to redouble their efforts to ensure that the relative peace in the State is not only sustained but also improved upon, as the Command’s mandates of securing lives and Critical National Assets and Infrastructure must be fulfilled.
The Abia NSCDC Boss assured that beyond the near fixed security measures, the State would witness increased motorized patrols round the three Senatorial zones with special attention to Eid praying grounds, recreational Centers and other public places.