Tight security at FCT, Jos church services

Christmas services took place in the Federal Capital Territory, Jos, Ilorin and Lokoja amid tight security on Tuesday.

Security was also beefed up around public places in the cities.

Soldiers, policemen, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps officials were deployed to man strategic places that could be targeted by terrorists.

Many churches that conducted  Christmas services in the FCT  set up barricades  some meters from their buildings with security personnel scanning bags and frisking worshippers and passers-by.

At the Catholic Church near Kubwa village market, the road leading to the church was barricaded while policemen screened those that came for the mass.

It was the same situation at churches in Maitama, Dutse Alhaji, Gwarimpa and Durumi as policemen were at almost every street junction keeping their eyes on motorists and pedestrians.

Soldiers were seen in front of the Eagle Square and a police patrol car was also parked close to one of the ministry buildings.

Our correspondent, who went around Jos, reported that the city was quiet because many residents travelled for the Yuletide while those who did not stayed indoors to enjoy a quiet day.

The Special Task Force, in a  statement by its Media Officer, Capt. Salisu Mustapha, said it would introduce additional checkpoints throughout the festive period, while vehicular checks would also be intensified.

The statement also advised religious leaders to appeal to their followers, particularly youths,  to avoid acts capable of disrupting a peaceful celebration.

Our correspondent reports that the Christmas celebration was peaceful in Kwara and Kogi  states as security was beefed up at places of worship in Ilorin and Lokoja respectively.

Security officials patroled streets to ensure law and order. Many Christians trooped to their churches for Christmas services.

However, food items, clothings and transport fares went up in both cities. Our correspondent reported that transport fares rose to about 300  per cent in Lokoja.

It was learnt that because of the astronomical rise in fares, some travellers were stranded for hours while  others had to discontinue their journey. There was also increase, though marginal, in transport fares in Ilorin.

Punch