Benin City: Ahead of the Easter celebrations, security and emergency response agencies have stepped up operations across Edo State, deploying nearly 3,000 personnel to keep roads, markets, worship centres and other public spaces safe.
The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Edo Sector Command, said it has inaugurated a special Easter patrol and deployed 860 personnel and logistics to reduce road traffic crashes across the state.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Benin by the Sector Public Education Officer, Patricia Onwochei, the corps said the operation commenced on Wednesday and would run until April 8, in line with the directive of the Corps Marshal to ensure safer roads during the festive period and beyond.
According to her, 510 regular marshals and 350 special marshals have been mobilised for the exercise, alongside patrol vehicles, ambulances, heavy-duty trucks and power bikes for effective coverage.
Onwochei said the operation would focus on major traffic offences such as speeding, dangerous driving, use of mobile phones while driving, overloading and other violations known to contribute significantly to road crashes.
“The Easter special patrol is aimed at achieving a reduction in road traffic crashes during the celebration and beyond, through intensified enforcement and traffic control measures,” she said.
She added that personnel had been strategically deployed to monitor highways, manage traffic flow and respond promptly to emergencies, while urging motorists to obey traffic regulations and prioritise safety.
In the same vein, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Edo Command, said it has mobilised more than 2,000 personnel across the state to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free Easter celebration.
State Commandant of the corps, Mr. Saidi Akintayo, who disclosed this on Thursday while addressing journalists in Benin, said the deployment was part of proactive measures to guarantee security before, during and after the festive period.
He said the personnel were drawn from specialised units of the corps and strategically positioned across the three senatorial districts.
Akintayo said critical public locations, including markets, highways, recreational centres and worship grounds, would be adequately secured to prevent criminal activities and safeguard lives and property.
“This deployment is aimed at ensuring a peaceful, safe and hitch-free Easter celebration for all residents, particularly Christian faithful observing the period,” he said.
The commandant added that the NSCDC would work closely with other security agencies to ensure robust security coverage and prompt emergency response.
He also directed Area Commanders and Divisional Officers to intensify patrols, strengthen intelligence gathering and sustain proactive security operations across their jurisdictions.
While felicitating Christians on the completion of the Lenten season, Akintayo urged residents to celebrate responsibly and in accordance with the law, warning criminal elements to steer clear of the state.
