An investigation on activities in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital during the Eid-el-Fitr on Friday indicates that the residents have a peaceful celebration.
Southwest Report gathered that in spite of the peaceful atmosphere that characterised the celebration, there were security personnel at strategic places.
Such strategic places included all entry points to the city, recreation centres and other public areas in the state capital.
Although the centres of attractions in the city which used to be busy on ordinary days, witnessed light traffic and massive presence of policemen and other security agencies.
During the celebration, commercial activities in the city were low while residents who are Muslims prayed at various Eid grounds.
Some of the Eid grounds visited included Agodi-Gate, Ojoo, Olorunsogo, Molete, Yemetu, Moniya, Sabo, Eleyele and Olomi.
The Police Public Relations Officer of Oyo State, CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu said enough personnel were deployed to the city for the celebration to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
According to him, every personnel deployed was working to ensure that there was no violence in the city.
Ajisebutu assured the residents of adequate security arrangement during and after the Eid-El-Fitr.
Operators and members of staff of some recreation centres within Ibadan complained of low patronage of fun-seekers during the celebration.
One of the officials of Agodi Gardens, Ibadan Mr. Tosin Babalola attributed the low patronage to the harsh economic situation in the country.
It is obvious that many civil servants are yet to be paid their salaries; so, how does anyone expect them to come out and celebrate with their families Celebration is all about spending money and the government should find the means to pay workers’ their salaries.
“At least, they can still join in the celebration since we are yet to celebrate the Ileya festival, “he said.
But at Trans-Amusement Park, one of their officials who spoke in confidence said the low turnout could also be attributed to the fact that most people might have travelled or decided to rest at home with their families.
“They might also have decided to stay indoors in order to avoid much stress and spending of unnecessary money. The low patronage can also be attributed to cash crunch in the country,” he said
He said in spite of the discount given to customers during the festive period, there was still low patronage.
He said money would have been the barrier for most families not being able to come out to celebrate.