President Bola Tinubu has reassured Nigerians of his administration’s intention to restore peace and security, underlining that clear directions had been issued to the military forces and related security agencies to end insecurity decisively and without delay.
Tinubu, who mentioned this on Friday in his Easter greeting to the nation, expressed empathy with citizens affected by violence and turmoil, noting that he recognized the anguish and terror such events had caused.
Terrorist assaults have increased in the North, especially in the states of Plateau and Benue.
Over the course of several days of attacks in six Plateau communities, gunmen are said to have killed at least 52 people and displaced about 2,000 more.
The National Emergency Management Agency reported 52 individuals were confirmed deceased, while 22 others were brought to the hospital.
NEMA stated in a statement, “Gunmen carried out brutal assaults,” leading to many fatalities and severe destruction of property.
More than 1,820 people have been forced to relocate. The agency stated that the security situation was still tense and that three refugee camps had been established.
Although he expressed sadness over the tragic deaths in some areas of our nation, the president insisted that his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and security was unwavering.
“Forces of evil will never prevail over our country. I have given clear directions to the Armed Forces and other relevant security agencies to eradicate insecurity decisively and without delay.
Tinubu declared, “We are turning the tide and making steady progress in reclaiming peace and stability with the unwavering courage and commitment of our gallant men and women in uniform.”
Many Nigerians are experiencing financial difficulties, and the president acknowledged this while stating that his government “is working tirelessly to restore investor confidence, stabilize key sectors, and build an inclusive economy that serves the interests of all Nigerians.”
He urged Nigerians to be positive and unified “as the nation celebrates Easter”, making a link between the resurrection of Jesus Christ and Nigeria’s march towards peace and prosperity.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered strong security measures across the country to guarantee a peaceful and hitch-free vacation.
This comes right after the Federal Road Safety Corps issued a warning to exercise caution and strictly follow traffic laws in order to guarantee a tranquil and safe Easter weekend.
The IG instructed all Commissioners of Police and supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police to increase visibility policing, intelligence collection, and extended surveillance in their respective jurisdictions, according to a statement released on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
Egbetokun also directed a strategic deployment of personnel to churches, recreational centres, highways, and other public places to forestall any security breach during the festivities.
“The IGP hereby directs Commissioners of Police across all State Commands and Formations, and their supervising Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, to enhance visibility policing, extended vigilance, and intelligence gathering to ensure a safe and secure festive celebration for all citizens.
“He also emphasises the critical importance of enhanced patrol and strategic deployment of personnel to places of worship, recreation centres, major highways, and other public spaces to deter criminal activities and provide swift responses to any security challenges that may arise.”
The FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, in a statement issued by the corps spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, stressed the importance of responsible road use, warning that violations of traffic regulations could lead to dire consequences.
Mohammed urged motorists to remain law-abiding and considerate throughout the celebrations.
To facilitate smooth travel and reduce the risk of accidents, the FRSC has deployed personnel and resources to major routes and identified accident-prone areas across the country.
Also, the Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory, Ajao Adewale, ordered the deployment of personnel and tactical equipment to churches and recreational areas across the territory.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has paid the April salaries and pensions of civil servants and pensioners across the state ahead of the Easter celebration.
The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Friday, described the early payment as part of his administration’s commitment to the welfare of its workforce and senior citizens.
He noted that the gesture was in line with his policy of prioritising people-centred governance and ensuring that economic challenges did not hinder citizens from celebrating key religious and cultural festivals.
The governor added that the prompt payment was intended to support families in preparing adequately for the Easter celebration.
A former federal lawmaker and 2023 Rivers State governorship aspirant, Dr Farah Dagogo, called on Nigerians to embrace the timeless virtues of sacrifice, justice, and collective responsibility.
Dagogo stated this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday by his media aide, Ibrahim Lawal.
The former federal lawmaker emphasised that the season presented a valuable moment for national reflection, moral regeneration, and renewed commitment to the foundational principles of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), particularly the guarantees of justice, equity, and the rule of law.
Oyedepo, Kumuyi advise Christians
Prominent clerics, Bishop David Oyedepo and Pastor William Kumuyi, have urged believers to deepen their understanding of spiritual authority and the redemptive power of Christ’s death.
Speaking at the ongoing Easter Faith Convention at the Faith Tabernacle in Ota, Ogun State, on Friday, Oyedepo, the presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel), charged Christians to watch the words they speak, warning that careless or negative speech could limit divine blessings.
Delivering a sermon titled, ‘Unveiling the Resurrection Root of Our Spiritual Authority’, the cleric emphasised that the resurrection of Jesus Christ did not just guarantee salvation, but also bestowed spiritual authority upon believers, authority that is exercised through the tongue.
“Our spiritual authority is rooted in the power that raised Christ. When He was raised, we were raised with Him. And the tongue is where that authority is expressed,” he said, citing Proverbs 18:21, “Life and death are in the power of the tongue.”
At a separate Easter service, the General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi, called on Christians to remember the essence of Easter, the sacrificial death and victorious resurrection of Jesus Christ.
He described Christ’s crucifixion as a redemptive act that took the place of mankind’s suffering, curses, and condemnation.
“Christ redeemed us by dying on the cross, taking upon Himself all our punishment, all the curse, all our evil, and all our oppression and afflictions,” Kumuyi said.
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