By Duchess Ifeoluwa
The Ondo State Police Command has intensified security operations across Ondo State ahead of the Eid-El-Kabir and Children’s Day celebrations.
The command said the move was aimed at ensuring a peaceful, hitch-free and crime-free celebration across the state.
This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, had ordered the strategic deployment of personnel and operational assets to critical locations across the state before, during and after the festive period.
The deployment includes operatives from tactical units, the Police Mobile Force, intelligence departments, anti-kidnapping squads, surveillance units, traffic teams and other operational formations.
The command disclosed that security personnel had been stationed at Eid prayer grounds, recreational centres, markets, motor parks, major highways and other public places expected to witness increased activities during the celebrations.
The police commissioner also directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and heads of tactical units to intensify visibility policing, intelligence gathering, stop-and-search operations, confidence-building patrols and strategic surveillance within their areas of responsibility.
Special attention, according to the command, is being focused on identified flashpoints, black spots and vulnerable communities across the state to proactively prevent criminal activities and maintain public order.
The statement further noted that operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, Violence Crime Response Unit and Traffic Management Teams had been placed on high alert to ensure effective crowd control, emergency response and traffic management throughout the festive period.
The command urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and activities within their communities.
Members of the public were also advised to avoid reckless driving, unlawful gatherings and any conduct capable of disrupting public peace and safety.
The police command also joined families, schools and children across the state in celebrating this year’s Children’s Day.
It described children as critical stakeholders in nation-building and encouraged parents, guardians and schools to continue nurturing them in safe and morally sound environments.
The Commissioner of Police warned criminal elements against any attempt to disrupt the peace of the state, stressing that the command remained prepared to deal decisively with all forms of criminality in accordance with the law.
The command wished Muslim faithful and residents of the state a peaceful Eid-El-Kabir celebration and a memorable Children’s Day.
