Safety During World Cup

WOULD Nigerians be able to watch the World Cup at viewing centres? The recent bomb attacks at viewing centres in Mubi and Jos, during football matches, are warnings to the dangers the FIFA World Cup in Brazil could harbour for Nigerian fans.
Poor electricity supply has made these centres, which started as information centres for rural people, especially farmers, more popular. The conviviality they breed creates a pool of football fans who watch their matches there, because of the near-live atmosphere.
Their popularity has spread to urban centres. They are like mini-cinemas with some having attendances of hundreds of people.
Insurgents used the killings to remind us that any regular gathering of a large number of people is a potential target. It is a warning the security agencies should not ignore.
Football, at its highest and most sublime levels, would wrap the world for the next four weeks. When our national teams participate in major international tournaments, Nigerians temporarily forget their divisions to trumpet their commitment to the success of our team. Nigeria’s test starts on Monday, 15 June when the Super Eagles play against Iran in their Group “F” first game at the Arena da Baixada, Curitiba.
We call special attention to special security needs for the period. Security agencies should not abandon their work for football. Our enemies are waiting for moments of low vigilance to strike. Nigerians should feel safe to watch the matches and support the Super Eagles to victory, at home or in public places.
Everybody needs to be vigilant and security conscious. It is time we closed ranks with the security agencies and share credible and useful information that would prevent attacks. The security agencies should improve their intelligence. The involvement of the people in security activities could yield more results; it is ultimately important if the security agencies are to gain the confidence of the populace.
People would cooperate with security agencies when they know they are working for their benefit instead of harassing them. The World Cup could be used to measure the effectiveness of a new relationship should work for security beyond the competition. We should, working with the security agencies, ensure our collective security.
It is imperative to provide adequate security at viewing centres. The easiest option in managing the situation would be to shut down the centres. We consider that option extreme and a concession of territories to terror. What else would we shut down?
Our security agencies should make the point that they are dealing with the terrorists by increasing the confidence of our people about the capacities of our governments to save them.
The World Cup should be a safe and delightful experience.