SAN FRANCISCO, July 26, (THEWILL) – The military has placed a blanket ban on all forms of vehicular movement in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, during the Sallah celebrations. The restriction is to be observed for three days – Monday to Wednesday.
This, according to the military, is to play safe and prevent terrorist attack during the festivities.
The implication of the ban is that residents of the town will have to celebrate the Sallah indoors and may even find it difficult to go the various grounds on Sallah day.
Announcing the ban in a statement issued Saturday by the spokesman of 7 Division, Nigeria Army, Maiduguri, Col. Muhammad Dole, the military said: “The report at the disposal of the security agencies reveals that the terrorist have perfected plans to launch multiple bomb explosions in Maiduguri metropolis. Their main targets include Sallah praying ground, markets and other public places by using vehicles such as Volkswagen Golf, Pick Up vans, Keke NAPEP, motorcycles and bicycles.
In view of this, all vehicular movement within the Maiduguri city is banned from Monday, 28th Wednesday, 30th July, 2014. Members of the general public are advised to perform their Eid- El Fitri prayer at prayer grounds nearest to their residences.
“While necessary security measures are being put in place, people are requested to comply fully with this ban as defaulters will be severely sanctioned.”
The statement also said members of the public are also “requested to report any suspicious movement of persons or vehicles to the nearest security agencies.”
Already, the military has taken over major streets in the town with effect from Saturday evening, conducting stop and search exercise on all vehicles in order to nip any terror attack in the bud.
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