Muslims have been assured of adequate security for the celebration of this year's Eid-el-Fitr, even as the Kwara State Government has outlined measures to ensure peace and orderliness at the Ilorin Eid Praying ground

The chairman, Eid Celebration Committee, Dr. Abdulrazaq Amuda, who gave assurance in an interview with newsmen in Ilorin yesterday, said bags and beggars would not be allowed into the praying ground as all roads leading to the place would be manned by security agents.

He said the police, State Security Service(SSS), Civil Defence Corps, Road safety corps and other security outfits of Islamic organization would work together to ensure adequate security of the worshipers.

Dr. Amuda who is a permanent secretary in the Ministry of Environment and forestry, said no vehicles would be allowed to park at the roadsides, adding that those that would be allowed inside the praying ground would be given pass by the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Dr. Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, on grade levels.

He added that specified parking spaces have been provided for those with no pass.

He said bags and other parcels would not be allowed in the praying ground except rosary, warning traders not to move beyond the limit of specified places.

"Beggars would not be allowed in the praying ground because people may hide under the guise of begging perpetrate evil acts. No microphones or megaphones would be allowed except the one provided by the committee.

"Vehicles parked on the roadside would be towed away to avoid any blockage because it is not proper to obstruct the move of other road users in the name of praying. And even if all the people in Ilorin are Muslims, that praying ground can contain us.

"We have arrangement that if a vehicle enters through a route, it will exit through another route to avoid obstruction.

On first aid, treatment, the chairman said Muslim Unity Hospital Committee would be on ground to provide first aid treatment, saying that two ambulances have been provided by the state Ministry of Health to convey patients to where they can urgently receive treatment concerning emergency situation.

"Local Governments in Ilorin Emirate have done good to clear the ground. Ministry of water resources has also provided water for ablution".

Dr. Amuda explained further that the state government was working with the committee to provide canopies and tents for the worshipers.

He therefore advised Muslims no matter how highly placed to cooperate with security agencies to ensure hitch-free celebration.

In a related development, the Kwara state command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) is to deploy 3,000 men and officers to beef up security in the state during the Eid-el-Fitricelebration.

The state Public Relations Officer of the corps, Mr. Olanrewaju Kadri, in an exclusive interview with The Herald at the Headquarters of the command in Ilorin explained that the officers and men would be positioned at the various places of worship on the Sallah day to ensure that no criminal activity is carried out.

The PRO said the men and others have been adequately trained and informed about their roles and responsibilities during the period.

"Even before they would be discharge to their various positions and areas, we are still going to brief them on what to be done" he said.

Kadri urged the people in the state to consider security of lives and properties as the' responsibility of every one, calling on the people to alert any security agent around them should in case they discover any problem with suspicions more.

Culled from The Herald Newspaper