Security beefed up in Kaduna

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Kaduna Metropolis yesterday witnessed unprecedented number of security personnel deployed to man major roads, investigation revealed that the measure may not be unconnected with the recent Nyanya bomb incident, vehicles and suspected luggage were subjected to stop-and-search.

Although the checkpoints resulted into traffic jam at some places, vehicle owners and passengers who spoke to our correspondent said, it was alright as long as it is meant to safe guard their lives.

Most of the checkpoints seen were mounted by armed security personnel of the Nigerian Army, mostly and men of the police force, and most of the checkpoints had part of the roads barricaded.

When contacted, Kaduna State Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO) SP Aminu Lawan said the security agencies are not going to take chances and will not give room for any lapses, hence the beef-up.

According to him, the State Police Commissioner, Umar Shehu, has ordered all the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in the 23 local government area of the state to intensify surveillance at all nooks and crannies.

“Our men are already on patrol of prone areas and major streets across the entire state, to create security awareness in the state.

“We, however, call on the people of the state to be more vigilant in their respective domain and report promptly any suspected movement of persons or vehicles to the security personnel for prompt action” he said.

Meanwhile, SP Lawan confirmed that the state is relatively peaceful and calm and urged everyone to go about their normal businesses.

Our correspondent also observed and reported that as at the time of filing the report, Kaduna was calm and peaceful with people going about their normal activities.