Fire authorities in Kwara State have strengthened emergency preparedness and deployed personnel across strategic locations to prevent incidents and ensure public safety during the Easter celebrations.

The Federal Fire Service and the Kwara State Fire Service said on Sunday that proactive steps had been taken to safeguard lives and property, with officers stationed at key areas and places of worship to enable rapid response to emergencies.

According to a statement by Jimoh Ibrahim, Public Relations Officer of the Federal Fire Service, Kwara Command, the State Controller, Bakare Mary, directed the strategic deployment of personnel, including along the Federal Secretariat axis in Fate, Ilorin. He said officers have been placed on high alert throughout the festive period.

The command also noted that it is working in coordination with other security agencies to maintain a secure environment across the state. Bakare urged residents to remain safety-conscious while celebrating and extended Easter greetings to the Christian community.

Similarly, the Kwara State Fire Service confirmed that its personnel had been stationed at selected churches in Ilorin, including Methodist Church and First ECWA Church in Taiwo Isale, Cherubim and Seraphim Church in the Murtala area, and the Cathedral of St. John’s African Church in Maraba.

Hassan Adekunle, Head of Media and Publicity for the state service, said the move was aimed at ensuring quick emergency intervention during large gatherings. He added that the agency collaborated with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and the Federal Road Safety Corps to enhance security coverage.

The Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, called on residents to obey laws, cooperate with authorities, and maintain peaceful conduct throughout the celebrations.

Both agencies stressed that safety is a collective responsibility and urged the public to adhere to fire prevention measures, remain vigilant, and report potential hazards. They also assured residents that emergency response efforts would continue beyond the Easter period.