Match viewing centres in Jos adopt new security measures

Operators of viewing centres in Jos have adopted some security measures to enable them show the World Cup matches without hitches.

The biggest soccer fiesta, 2014 World Cup tournament, would commence in Brazil, on June 12 and football fans expected to watch the matches live at viewing centers have been assured of their safety in Jos.

With the centres becoming targets of attack by insurgents, most of the operators in Jos, have adopted security measures to enable fans enjoy the games without fear.

Mr Nandom Musa, owner of a centre near Shepherd House Jos, said that he had engaged some individuals who would help keep watch over his centre.

“Before the matches, the boys and I will go round the centre to ensure that nothing suspicious is kept close to the hall.

“I have acquired hand metal detectors to thoroughly screen the viewers and ensure that nobody enters the hall with a dangerous weapon.

“We have some people permanently stationed outside to keep guard and make sure that no car comes close to the centre,” he said.

Musa decried the loss of customers for fear of being attacked, in spite of the steps taken to ensure their safety.

“Since viewing centres have become targets of attack, many people have stopped coming to watch matches.

“I have contacts of some of them and I have been texting, to inform them of the efforts we have put in place, to allay their fears,” he said.

Another operator in Dadin Kowa, Mohammed Sadiq, said that as a measure to safeguard the centre, viewers had been advised not to come to the centre with cars.

Sadiq said that he had engaged some hands to keep watch round the centre, adding that he was arranging with security outfits to keep watch over his centre during matches.

“They will complement the efforts of the boys I have hired and if possible, they will have arms and that may help to assuage the fears,” he said.

In a similar development, some football fanatics who spoke to NAN said that they would prefer to either watch the matches at home or not watch at all.

Mr Abubakar Bitako said that he would do everything possible to get a satellite decoder during the period, to enable him watch matches at home.

Bitako advised people who could afford the satellite, to do the same, while those who could not, to watch the matches on local television stations.

“But if you cannot get a television, then listen to radio commentaries because it is better to be alive than watch matches and die,” he advised.

Another fan, Agabus Pwanagba, said that viewing football matches at the centres was exciting, because it enabled one to meet people from different shades of life.

He noted that watching football alone was always boring, adding that the centres afforded him the opportunity to analyse matches with fellow viewers.

Pwanagba lauded viewing centre operators for the security measures taken, and advised those who were yet to do so, to do the same.

“There should be vigilance; people should not be allowed to go out and come in at will, without being thoroughly checked.

“Viewing centres can liaise with security agencies to help guard the places,” he suggested.

Match viewing centres in Jos adopt new security measures