BENIN CITY – The Commissioner of Police in Edo State CP DanMallam Mohammed has said that he has mobilized 730 operatives to provide watertight security for the 2019 National Arts Festival and Culture (NAFEST) beginning in Benin City today, Saturday, October 19, 2019.
Also, he stated that other sister security agencies like the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Airforce, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) would synergize with the police command in ensuring protection of lives and property during and after the eight days event.
CP DanMallam Mohammed stated this in a statement endorsed by the command spokesman DSP Chidi Nwabuzor and made available to journalists in Benin City, yesterday.
According to the release, the 730
officers and men deployed for the festival comprised of regular uniform men, Anti-cultism Unit, Anti-kidnapping and Cyber Crime Unit, Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (SCIID), State Intelligence Bureau (SIB), Police Mobile Force and Special Protection Unit (SPU).
Others include Safer Highway Patrol Team, Counter Terrorism Unit, Anti Bomb Squad, Police Medical Team and the Nigeria Police Marine Base to ensure security on the state’s waterways.
The Police Chief while wishing Edo people happy and purposeful NAFEST, prayed that the festival attracts development and enduring peace to Benin City and the entire state.
The State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Osaze Osemwengie-Ero had during the week a in road show to sensitise residents on the 32nd edition of the NAFEST disclosed that it was the first to be hosted by the state in 40 years.
He said the 2019 edition of the NAFEST, which is the biggest arts and culture event in the country, will consolidate Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration’s reforms in boosting tourism through arts and culture.
Hon. Osemwengie-Ero said the event would boost socio-economic development in Edo State, as the state expects to host over 500,000 tourists from across the country and five neighbouring countries.
He added that all the 18 Local Government Areas of the state would be represented.
The Arts and Culture event which begins today, Saturday, October 19th will climax on Saturday, October 26, 2019.
Meanwhile, our reporter’s visit to Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre on Airport Road, Benin City, venue of the event revealed presence of armed mobile policemen while the complex wears a magnificent look.
Also, it was observed during a drive on major roads within the metro that the police command has increased its visibility policing.
