According to it: “The US Mission in Nigeria advises that groups associated with terrorist activities might be planning attacks on hotels in Lagos frequented by international visitors, including those located on waterfronts, during the Eid el Fitri holidays”.
Today, being the third day of the Sallah holiday declared by the Federal Government, will be characterised by a festive ambience in which large crowds of holidaymakers flock to places of amusement in major cities across Nigeria. It might provide an uncommon opportunity for the agents of darkness and bloodshed to target innocent merrymakers as well as foreign visitors.
The world is still reeling from waves of terror attacks as the Muslim month of fasting (Ramadan) neared its end. Three major Muslim-dominated countries – Turkey, Bangladesh and Iraq – were visited by Islamist terrorists, leaving behind grim harvests of death and destruction.
On June 29, 2016, the Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul Turkey, was invaded by gunmen, leaving 41 persons dead and 239 injured. On the 2nd of July 2016, upscale Holey Artisan Restaurant in Dhaka Bangladesh, was also attacked with 21 people (mostly foregners) abducted and later systematically murdered. Two days later on Monday, 4th July 2016, terrorists struck again in Baghdad Iraq, with an estimated 250 killed and over 175 more wounded.
All these attacks were directly linked to groups loyal to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, which openly claimed responsibility. The Boko Haram Islamist terror outfit in Nigeria has for long pledged loyaltly to the Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi-led Islamic State. Like ISIS, Boko Haram is also reacting to the sustained bombardment of their enclave in Sambisa Forest by resorting to suicide bombings.
Already, military authorities have confirmed the routine apprehension of escaped Boko Haram fighters in Lagos. Everything, therefore, points to the real possibility of a major security breach, not just in Lagos and Abuja but also other big cities in Nigeria where foreigners frequent.
We,once again, reiterate our call for eternal vigilance, especially during this Sallah day and even well after. We advise Lagos residents to stay away from big hotels, amusement parks and beaches, at least for the time being, while the security agents do their work to ensure the safety of lives and property of the citizenry.
Nigeria has become a terror-endemic country, and we must keep our eyes open to learn from what is happening in other countries in order to stay safe. We must continue to cooperate with the security agencies because collective security is a partnership.
This is dummy text. It is not meant to be read. Accordingly, it is difficult to figure out when to end it. But then, this is dummy text. It is not meant to be read. Period.
ConversionConversion EmoticonEmoticon