Security Agencies Ban Bike, Restrict Movement In Plateau

Security agencies in Plateau have banned movement of motorcycles in the state from Friday to Tuesday as part of measures to ensure hitch-free Easter celebration. The state Police Commissioner, Emmanuel Ayeni, said in a statement on Friday in Jos that the

 decision was taken at a stakeholders' meeting attended by all heads of security agencies and religious bodies in the state

Ayeni said the stakeholders also resolved that all worshippers should park their vehicles outside their places of worship throughout the Easter period.

  'Preachers should shorten their sermons and all worshippers should disperse to their various homes immediately after the service rather than loitering or clustering at the premises.

  'There will be no rally or procession during the festive period as the ban on such is still in force. If any meeting is to be held, it should be at different venues and not worship centres.'

  Ayeni said there would be constant patrol by security agencies to avoid security breach, adding that worshippers would   not be allowed into worship centres with handbags.

  Places of worship would be cordoned off and diversion created where necessary, he added.   Men of the military Special Task Force maintaining security in the state, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Police have also beefed up security around the metropolis. Surveillance aircraft belonging to the Nigerian Air Force also carried out aerial patrol of suspected hotspots in Jos and its environs.  

NAN reports that the heavy security caused initial tension among residents as many of them stayed indoors, while there was also a lull in commercial activities.  

The rigorous check by security personnel caused long queue of vehicles on Friday in major roads in the city.  

However, spokesman of the Police Command, ASP Samuel Dabai, advised all law-abiding residents to go about their lawful activities as there was no cause for alarm.  

'The ban on motorcycles is all over the state. We have also deployed our men to strategic places. We are equal to the task,' Dabai said. (NAN )