Nigerian police to start guarding churches

www.eagleonline.com.ng
The acting Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Dikko Abubakar, has ordered his officers to increase police presence in places of worship, especially churches, during the Easter celebration.
Abubakar also directed increased patrol of the highways and other trouble sports.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olusola Amore, the decisions were taken by Abubakar in order to prevent the bombing of churches, which almost marred the



celebration of Christmas and New Year in 2011 and 20123 and which has led to some Christians not going to church any longer.
The St. Francis Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State, was bombed on Christmas Day last year.
Over 40 persons died in the attack by dreaded sect, Boko Haram.
In Jos, Plateau State, two churches - the headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nigeria and St. Finbar's Catholic Church - have been bombed by suicide bombers believed to belong to the Boko Haram sect.
Amore said in the statement on Thursday that Assistant Inspectors General in charge of the zones and state commissioners are to ensure proper coverage of all vulnerable points in the cities and highways during and after the Easter period.
He quoted Abubakar to have said: "The administration of the force is committed to giving a new lease of life to the Nigerian Police and ensuring that its past glories are restored, as a highly dedicated, motivated and efficient police force."
Abubakar wished all Nigerians a peaceful Easter celebration.