By Seyi Babalola
The Niger State Police Command has outlawed horse racing in Minna, the state capital, during the Eid-el-Fitr holiday.
The State Police Commissioner, Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman, announced the restriction in a Sallah statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, saying it was to avoid the typical horse racing from being hijacked by hoodlums who were known to harm people during such festivals.
Abiodun stated that over 2,500 troops, including operational assets, had been deployed to provide security coverage at all Eid sites in the state’s 25 local government areas, as well as leisure centers, amusement parks, and other public locations.
According to him, all relevant police commanders had been directed to deploy operational assets to dominate public places, ensure visibility policing with constant supervision, and embark on confidence-building patrols to all the nooks and crannies of the state for a peaceful celebration.
In the same vein, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, urged Muslims to use the period of the Eid-el-Fitr to pray for peace and security in the state and Nigeria.
The governor, in a Sallah message by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, underscored the need for Muslims to remain steadfast in the worship of Allah and to follow the teachings of the Quran and the Hadith.
Governor Bago urged Muslims to continue to uphold piety, patience, tolerance, perseverance, humility and self-restraint, which were observed vigorously during the holy month beyond the period for a better society.
