Police Beef Up Security In Umuahia For Catholic Bishops’ Conference

The police in Abia state have beefed up security in Umuahia for the four-day plenary session of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, which starts tomorrow.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that heavily armed mobile policemen, as well as men of the Civil Defence Corps and Federal Road Safety Commission had been posted to strategic areas of the town.

An Armoured Personnel Carrier, being manned by security men, has been stationed at the BCA Junction, close to the newly constructed Bishop Anthony Nwedo’s Pastoral Centre, Umuahia, venue of the conference.

Although no official statement was issued by the command, a senior police officer said that “’this is a proactive measure by the command to ensure a hitch-free meeting.

“It is not that we envisage any security breach, but it is incumbent on the command to reinforce security in the town, especially around the venue of the conference.

“You know that these are highly revered clergymen from the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, Abuja. So, we have to ensure maximum security for their safety,’’ the officer said.

A statement issued by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ogbonnaya, the Director, Social Communication, Umuahia Diocese, stated that the conference would begin on Sunday.

“This is a meeting of all the Catholic Bishops in Nigeria, at which matters of great importance affecting the church and the nation are discussed,’’ Ogbonnaya stated.

He explained that the opening session of the conference would begin with a holy mass at Mater Dei Cathedral, Umuahia.

The statement, which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday, further explained that there would be a closing mass on Thursday to mark the end of the session.

Meanwhile, the Cathedral and the centre have been beautifully decorated, while the premises were given a face lift. (NAN)