The palpable tension gripping residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, over the security threat, took a new turn on Friday and Saturday when Ireland, Canada, Australia, and other countries issued travel advisories to their citizens to depart Nigeria.
The tension in Abuja and its environs reportedly began
on Sunday when the United States and the United Kingdom warned of a possible
terrorist attack in the nation’s capital, saying the terrorists are aiming at
government facilities, places of worship and schools, among others.
Several government and private
establishments have been said to be shutting down operations over the fear of attack by
the daredevil terrorists that have, over the years, kept the country hostage.
FACTUAL NAIJA NEWS recalls that a popular shopping
mall in the territory, Jabi Lake Mall, on Friday shut down operations in
response to the rising security threat.
Several residents who were skeptical at the
beginning of the week when the advisory was issued began to take the security
advisory seriously when further directives came from the United States Embassy
that their citizens, alongside their family members, should leave Abuja as
quickly as possible for their safety.
Reports had also emerged earlier in the week that security operatives comprising the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, and others raided the Trademore Estate in Lugbe, where at least two suspected bombers were allegedly arrested.
It was observed o that amid
fears amongst the Christian worshippers, some highly populated churches had on Saturday tightened security to ensure the safety of worshippers on Sunday (today).
To this end, parents have appealed to some school authorities to shut down academic activities pending when the territory becomes safe for students and teachers.
Mrs Monica Adah whose daughter is schooling
at the Federal Government College Kwali, located in Kwali Area Council of the
FCT, said she had approached the management of the school, begging that
academic activities should be halted till further notice.