Police Beef Up Security In Ibadan

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Following information that the Islamic fundamentalist sect, Boko Haram, plans to bomb the popular Bodija market in Ibadan, Oyo State, scores of policemen were this morning drafted to the market while traders quickly locked their shops and stalls.

More than 100 policemen from various formations in the state in about twenty vehicles and armoured tank were seen in strategic positions, including shops, filling stations in and around Bodija, frisking traders and searching motorists.

Vehicles were prevented from buying fuel at the stations while those wishing to park their vehicles in the area were disallowed

Spokesman of the Oyo State Police Command, Mr. Femi Okanlawon, however, denied that security was beefed up in the area because of an imminent attack by Boko Haram.

He explained that policemen were drafted to the market to forestall fighting between warring factions in the market.

“Why are people talking of Boko Haram at Bodija market simply because they saw policemen there? We drafted our men there to keep the peace and ensure that fighting did not break out among the market leaders,” Okanlawon maintained.

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The city of Ibadan has of late been rocked by fear of an attack by the Boko Haram sect.

Two weeks ago, students of the University of Ibadan and their lecturers had to vacate the campus when information filtered in that members of the sect were planning to bomb the university.

Following this, security was beefed up on the campus. Visitors and motorists going into the campus were thoroughly searched before being allowed entry into the institution.

Security has also been beefed up at the police headquarters at Eleyele, Ibadan, to forestall any incident.

—Gbenro Adesina/Ibadan

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