Plateau State Police Commissioner, Emmanuel Dipo Ayeni

By Seriki Adinoyi

Plateau State police command in collaboration with other security agencies in the state has further stepped up already beefed security in Jos, the state capital, as part of measures to ensure a violence-free sallah celebration.

The police command, in a press statement signed by the Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Dipo Ayeni, reiterated that the Eid el fitri prayers would not be observed at Rukuba Road and Polo field prayer grounds considering the security risks.

Also, the Abattoir road would be closed to traffic during the festival prayers, the statement added.

It also said that full security coverage would be provided at the agreed designated prayer grounds like the Bauchi Road Motor Park, adding that adequate traffic control will also be provided in Jos and its environs.

Ayeni further called on youths to refrain from brandishing dangerous weapons and use of inflammatory statements during and after the prayers to avoid causing trouble.

The police also stressed that the ban on the use of motorcycles is still in force "therefore security personnel would be on hand to check for any violator".

It will be recalled that Eid el Fitri celebration in Jos last year, was marred by violence that broke out at the Rukuba Road prayer ground in the city leading the loss of over 30 lives.