Bomb scare in Abuja as security is tightened

There is a bomb scare in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, ignited by a sudden build-up of security operatives around crowded centres, and previous Boko Haram attacks on the city.

Some markets in the city, such as Wuse Market and the Garki International Market, were hedged about with police officers frisking a long queue of people. This was not the case yesterday.

And the roads leading to Wuse Market, especially, are blocked by police vans, with traders and customers milling about outside the market.

There is palpable confusion as some traders fear that a suicide bomb attack may render the whole security network around the market invalid. The traders were also worried by the security barricades and checks, which one said would negatively affect the flow of business for the day.

A security source told TheCable that from intelligence reports at the disposal of the police, Boko Haram was planning to bomb major markets in the city, hence the cordoning off of roads leading to the markets.

However, public relations officer of the FCT police, DSP Altine Daniel told TheCable that the fears and tension were unfounded, because the policemen were only carrying out normal activities.

“These are mere routine checks,” she said. “There is nothing to fear.”