The Christmas celebration in Kwara and Kogi states on Wednesday was observed amid tight security and the day went without any negative incident.

Most of the churches in Ilorin, Kwara State, with large congregation had policemen on stand-by to ensure security during Christmas service.

Policemen were also engaged in stop-and-search operations on major streets and junctions.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Agboola Glover-Oshodi, had warned residents against the use of fire-crackers and indulgence in violence and other forms of crimes.

In a telephone interview with our correspondent, the Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olufemi Fabode, said the CP introduced a new security strategy that enhanced security during the Yuletide.

Fabode said, “The new strategy put in place by the CP really worked. The command had to increase the number of police officers in the patrol and also increased the patrol teams. There was also serious monitoring.

“All senior officers were outside to see that the state witnessed a free violence-yuletide. We have more than enough police men that are deployed for the special duty from now till New Year.”

Also the Christmas celebration was peaceful in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.  Our correspondent learnt that the police also increased their stop-and-search operations and more surveillance of the state. It was also learnt that there were large turnouts of Christian worshippers in the churches.

Meanwhile, the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, Dr. Mike Okonkwo; Chairman, Senate Committee on Ecology, and Environment, Dr. Bukola Saraki; and the Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Mr. Razak Atunwa, have called on Christians and Nigerians as a whole to exemplify the virtues of Jesus Christ.

In their separate Christmas messages, they urged Nigerians to continue to work for lasting peace and unity, adding that they should contribute more to nation-building as well as show love to the vulnerable.

Okonkwo stated that it was not enough to rejoice in the fact that Jesus was born in a manger but that people should emulate Christ’s  worthy virtues of love, peace, joy and goodwill to everyone.

He urged all Christians to stand out as ‘ambassadors of peace’ wherever they might be and that they should continue to pray and work for lasting peace in the nation.

Saraki urged Nigerians to reflect on the events that had defined them as people as they relate with the teachings of Christ, which he noted was the reason for the season.

Atunwa in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Alhaji Abdulrahman Sanni, described Jesus Christ as an epitome of humility, piety and kind- heartedness. The speaker enjoined Christians to imbibe these virtues to ensure a worthy society.