August 17, 2012 by Agency Reporter

As part of security measures ahead of the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, the Plateau State Police Command has closed the Rukuba and Polo grounds, usually used as Muslim praying ground during the festivity.

Police Commissioner, Emmanuel Ayeni, said in a statement in Jos on Thursday, that the step was one of the measures arrived at after series of security meetings with religious and community leaders.

“Considering the security risk, an alternative ground has been provided at the Bauchi Road Motor park,’’ Ayeni explained.

The statement added that the Abattoir-Airforce Roundabout Road would be closed to traffic on Sallah day, while traffic would be diverted to other routes.

Ayeni particularly warned youths against brandishing dangerous weapons and the use of inflammatory statements during the prayers, and warned that anyone caught would face the full wrath of the law.

The police boss assured Plateau residents of full protection throughout the period, and called for cooperation from everybody.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that attempts by the Muslim faithful to use both grounds located in predominantly Christian settlements for Sallah prayers in 2011 resulted in violence that left scores dead.

via Punch

Posted by admin on Aug 18 2012. Filed under Headlines, Plateau, State News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry