Heavy police presence in Jos as Islamic faithful mark Eid-el-Kabir festival

Security was significantly bolstered at major prayer grounds and mosques in Jos on Wednesday, as Muslims in Plateau State observed the Eid al-Adha festival, with a notable presence of security operatives at the Eid ground in Tudun Wada, near the Secretariat Junction. The heavy security presence was aimed at maintaining law and order during the prayers.

n

A worshipper, Mohammed El Cash, expressed appreciation for the peaceful atmosphere and the security arrangements put in place by security agencies, highlighting the success of the measures implemented. The serene environment allowed worshippers to carry out their religious activities without hindrance.

n

Similarly, a strong security presence was observed at the Dogon Karfe Mosque, where another worshipper, Jelili Kilamani Tijami, praised the security personnel for ensuring a smooth celebration, free from any disruptions. The effective security measures contributed to the overall sense of safety among the worshippers.

n

The Fibre Mosque in the Old Airport area of Jos also witnessed a significant security presence, with worshippers carrying out their religious activities peacefully under the watchful eyes of deployed security operatives. The security arrangements ensured that the celebrations proceeded without incident.

n

The tightened security measures were part of the earlier announcements made by the Plateau State Police Command ahead of the Sallah and Children’s Day celebrations, aimed at ensuring a peaceful and secure environment. The command had reassessed its security strategy to guarantee peaceful celebrations across the state.

n

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, issued a statement on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, outlining the command's efforts to maintain public safety and order during the festive period. The statement also announced a temporary ban on commercial tricycles, known as Keke-Napep, within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis on May 27 and 28, 2026.

n

The restriction on commercial tricycles was intended to prevent criminal elements from taking advantage of the festive period and to maintain public safety, according to the police. The measure was part of the command's broader strategy to ensure a secure and peaceful celebration.

n

The Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, assured residents that adequate security deployments had been made to flashpoints and worship centres across the metropolis to guarantee the safety of Muslim faithful during the celebrations. The police were committed to maintaining a secure environment throughout the festive period.

n

Governor Caleb Mutfwang congratulated Muslim faithful on the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging residents to promote peace, unity, and harmonious coexistence, in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Joyce Lohya Ramnap. The governor emphasized the importance of responsible celebration and unity in the state and the country at large.

n

The governor described Eid-el-Kabir as a season that reflects the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, love, and total submission to the will of Allah, highlighting the significance of the celebration. He encouraged residents to sustain efforts towards unity, security, and prosperity in the state and the country.

n

The APC Senatorial Flag Bearer for Plateau Central, Chief Hon. David Barji, extended warm greetings to the Muslim Ummah in Plateau Central, Plateau State, Nigeria, and across the globe, as they celebrated the Eid-el-Kabir 2026. He described the sallah as one of the most important seasons in the Islamic faith, symbolising faith in God, obedience, sacrifice, humility, and devotion to divine principles.

n

According to Chief Barji, Eid-el-Kabir serves as a reminder of the values that bind humanity together and inspire peaceful coexistence in society, emphasizing the importance of tolerance, kindness, generosity, and selflessness. He encouraged citizens to continue promoting love, understanding, and mutual respect among people of different religious and ethnic backgrounds.

n

Chief Barji reaffirmed his dedication to fostering religious harmony, fairness, inclusiveness, and equal opportunities for all citizens, irrespective of political, ethnic, or religious affiliations, if allowed to represent Plateau Central in the Senate in the 2027 general elections. He maintained that leadership must be centred on justice, people-oriented policies, and the collective progress of society.

n

Chief Barji called on Muslim faithful to use the Eid celebration as a moment of prayer for lasting peace, security, stability, and development across Plateau Central and the nation, emphasizing the need for compassion and care for humanity. He urged well-meaning Nigerians to remember the less privileged, widows, orphans, and vulnerable persons during the celebration.

n

The true spirit of Eid-el-Kabir, according to Chief Barji, is expressed through compassion, sacrifice, generosity, and care for humanity, highlighting the importance of empathy and kindness during the celebration. He encouraged Muslims to embody these values and promote a sense of community and solidarity.