There is palpable tension in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following a security alert over a planned “deadly protest” by members of Shiite group Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) Friday.
The alert, being circulated via text messages, WhatsApp and other social media platforms Thursday evening, advised residents to be wary of places they visit today, particularly during the Friday Jumat prayers.
According to the warning, residents and visitors alike are to avoid places like Banex Plaza on Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II and Friday Prayer Mosques.
This comes as the police is yet to issue security measures put in place to protect lawabiding residents nor deny the alleged alert.
FCT police public relations officer Anjuguri Manzah, when contacted, said he was not aware of any such security threat.
The security alert reads:
“We are monitoring reports that the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) at about 4pm on 19 April, 2018 is planning to converge in the vicinity of Banex Plaza on Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II Abuja. The IMN is also planning what it describes as a mega outing on Friday 20 April, 2018.
“This outing will target the National Mosque, Area 11 Mosque and Yoruba Mosque in Wuse II. These protests are to demand the release of the IMN detained leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky and his wife, who have been government detention since December 2015.
“ADVICE
“Staff in Abuja should:
“Avoid the locations of the protest as a precaution. Plan routes bypassing these locations,
“Required Action:
Share & inform Abuja based project staff immediately.
“Monitor the situation and if necessary make plans to adjust planned activities in the areas indicated.
Report and share any further incidences if witnessed”
The warning, Daily Sun gathered, may force workers, especially civil servants, not to report for work today.
For sometime now, the Shi’ite moslem sect have have been carrying out a daily protest in the country’s capital to demand for the unconditional release of their leader Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.
source :SUN
