Heavy Security In Abuja Churches, Malls Over Insecurity Fears
Following the security red flag raised by the United States and UK embassies in Abuja, churches took measures to fortify their worship centres.
Several churches have put internal security measures in place during Sunday and weekday services. Worshippers are duly screened before entering church auditoriums, while heavily armed bearing security agents are deployed in many churches within Abuja towns and outskirts to ensure safety.
A drive around Life Camp, Kado, Wuse, Mabushi, Airport Road, Jabi, Jahi, amongst others, revealed that Nigeria’s security operatives were not handling the red flags with kid glove.
Most soft targets like shopping malls, the Central areas and government infrastructure in the city have been adequately manned by security operatives.
Although most of the streets were deserted and church parking lots scanty, residents have remained in their homes.
Palpable fear and fierce apprehension have engulfed the seat of power since the United States Embassy raised the alarm of an elevated risk of terror attacks in Nigeria, specifically in Abuja, on Sunday, October 23, 2022.
In an alert issued to its nationals, the Embassy said targets might include, but are not limited to, government buildings, places of worship, schools, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, athletic gatherings, transport terminals, law enforcement facilities, and international organisations.
“The U.S. Embassy will offer reduced services until further notice,” the alert read.
The Embassy had, however, advised its nationals to avoid all non-essential travel or movements, stay alert, avoid crowds and review their personal security plans and keep their cell phone charged in case of emergency, including carrying proper identification.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba has continued to allay the fears of residents in FCT and environs as he ordered massive deployment of additional police operatives and operational assets within Abuja and environs to beef up security and protection of life and property of residents, critical national assets and vulnerable facilities as well as road users plying routes in and around the FCT.
