Eid el-Fitr: Muslims in Benin observe Eid prayers under heavy security

Muslim in Benin on Wednesday observed Eid prayers to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan under heavy security. Security was provided by officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Police and the Nigerian Army. The security personnel were particularly visible inside and around prayer grounds located at Ikpoba Slope and the Nigeria Air Force base along the airport road. Those, who observed their prayers at the Air Force base prayer ground, were thoroughly screened before they were allowed to enter the ground for prayer. It was also observed that aside the massive deployment of personnel at prayer grounds, the security agencies also had their patrol vehicles stationed at and patrolling strategic areas in the city. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command in Benin, Mr Steven Onwuchei, said the security presence was to ensure hitch-free Sallah celebration across the state. Onwuchei, who spoke with NAN, said: “The proactive measure was not meant to raise alarm, but to ensure that nothing goes wrong while the people celebrate. “It is also meant to tell criminals to steer clear while the good people enjoy themselves. “It is a strategic arrangement aimed at warding off criminals during and after the celebration.” The spokesman, however, advised the residents of the state to be vigilant while celebrating. The spokesman of NSCDC in the state, Mr Efosa Ogbebor, told NAN that the corps deployed 1,000 officers – both armed and unarmed – to prayer grounds across the state to provide adequate security during and after the Sallah celebration. “Among these officers, we have intelligence officers. “And we are working in concert with other security agencies for an incident-free Sallah celebration,’’ he stated.