Posted by From Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja, 12.21.2008 on
The Federal Government has beefed up security and deployed disaster emergency personnel on the old Niger Bridge in Onitsha to forestall any danger, as motorists ply the bridge during the Christmas celebrations.
The Federal Government has beefed up security and deployed disaster emergency personnel on the old Niger Bridge in Onitsha to forestall any danger, as motorists ply the bridge during the Christmas celebrations.
According to a statement by Head of Press and Public Relations, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr. Yushau A. Shuaib, the measure had become necessary to allay the fear of travellers that the bridge was on the verge of collapse.
The statement quoted the Director-General of NEMA, AVM Mohammed Audu-Bida (rtd), as saying that necessary actions had been taken by government to ensure the safety of commuters, using the bridge, especially during this yuletide.
The DG, while assessing the level of preparedness of the combined security network deployed to mount surveillance and protect lives and properties during the exercise, said adequate caution had been taken to ensure smooth travel by holiday makers.
A joint visit to the foot of the bridge in November 2008 by NEMA and other stakeholders had led to the discovery that vandals had removed bolts, nuts and other structural elements from the pillars of bridge.
The situation prompted the Federal Government to beef up security around the bridge while necessary repairs were made.
Meanwhile, NEMA has said it is spearheading Operation Eagle Eye, a joint effort of security agencies in the country in providing adequate security on major highways to control traffic and combat criminal activities throughout the yuletide period.
The joint security and safety operations include personnel from the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Fire Services, Red Cross, Federal Ministry of Health, FERMA and Vehicle Inspection officers.
Audu-Bida said the reason for the maximum security alert at this period was influenced by past experiences of road accidents and increased rate of criminalities during such festivities.
He said traffic offenders and those engaged in indiscriminate use of fire crackers and acts that could threaten human lives and security of the country would be arrested and prosecuted.
According to him, 'As 2009 is just around the corner, we should avoid recklessness that may deny us the joy of witnessing the New Year. All the security agencies are collaborating and on full alert to deal ruthlessly with undesirable elements who may foment trouble.'
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