Police assure residents of peaceful New Year festivities
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, has explained that it cancelled crossover services across the state due to security challenges.
It had called on all denominations in the 25 councils of the state not to hold crossover vigils.
The chairman, Rev. (Dr.) Mathias Echioda, made the appeal in a statement issued to newsmen by the assistant secretary of the association, Raphael Opawoye, in Minna.
Dr. Echioda enjoined churches in the state not to hold the 2020 crossover services.
MEANWHILE, the police in the state have taken proactive measures to ensure hitch-free New Year celebrations, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adamu Usman, has said.
Usman told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna yesterday that various police divisions had been briefed on appropriate steps to take.
The CP added that the command was working with other security agencies to ensure peace and harmony across the state during the festivities.
He said that the early preparation was to ensure that residents move about freely and carry out their legitimate activities without let or hindrance.
Soliciting the support of stakeholders in mobilising residents to volunteer information that would help the command to arrest and prosecute criminals, he added: “We have mobilised sufficient armed personnel to provide security before, during, and after the New Year festivities.”
The police commissioner expressed optimism that the security measures put in place would enable residents observe the festivities across the 25 councils peacefully.
