By Oluwakemi Kindness
As Muslims prepare for Eid-el-Kabir celebrations across Nigeria, many residents of Abuja are expressing concern over security, road safety, and crowd control during the festive period.
With increased movement expected across the Federal Capital Territory, residents say authorities must go beyond routine assurances and strengthen security presence in vulnerable areas to prevent crime, accidents, and disorder.
In an exclusive interview with Democracy Radio Correspondent, Oluwakemi Kindness, many FCT residents expressed concern over the expected large crowds at Eid prayer grounds, recreation centres, markets, and major highways during the celebrations.
An Abuja resident, Mustafa Ali, called on security agencies to maintain a visible presence at public gathering points to deter criminal activity and ensure order during the festive period.
According to him, festive periods sometimes expose security gaps because of heavy crowds and increased movement of people.
Reckless Driving
He also raised concerns about reckless driving during Sallah, noting that many motorists overspeed in attempts to meet up with family activities and prayers.
Ali urged traffic officials and road safety agencies to intensify monitoring on highways and major roads to reduce accidents.
Increased Travel Raises Safety Concerns
Residents also warned that the rush associated with festive travel often creates opportunities for criminal activities, including theft, traffic robbery, and attacks on isolated routes.
Sadiq Omolayo, another resident, said security agencies must improve intelligence gathering and remain proactive throughout the holiday period.
He stressed that authorities should identify high-risk areas early and deploy personnel strategically rather than reacting after incidents occurred.
Omolayo also called on residents to support security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and abandoned items within their communities.
According to him, public vigilance remains critical to preventing security threats.
Residents Demand Continuous Patrols
Another resident, Abdullahi Suleiman, said security patrols should continue day and night throughout the celebrations, especially in areas where many residents travel and leave homes unattended.
He noted that criminals often take advantage of festive periods when security attention focuses mainly on prayer grounds and crowded centres.
Suleiman also urged security agencies to conduct stop-and-search operations professionally to avoid harassment while maintaining public safety.
He noted that visible patrols around shopping malls, motor parks, and major roads would help reassure residents and discourage criminal activity.
Police Assurance of Security
Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command says it has made adequate security arrangements for the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, said officers had been deployed across the territory to maintain law and order during the holiday.
She assured residents that the command remains prepared to protect lives and property throughout the celebrations.
Adeh, however, declined to disclose specific operational strategies, citing security reasons.
Public Confidence Depends on Visible Action
Although security agencies traditionally increase deployments during major religious celebrations, many residents say public confidence depends on visible action, rapid emergency response, and effective patrols across communities.
For many Abuja residents, the concern is no longer just about celebrating Sallah peacefully, but about moving safely on the roads, protecting homes, and avoiding security threats during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
