29th January, 2012
Churches in Kano, Northwest Nigeria today witnessed a very low turn out of worshippers who, in apparent fear of possible attack by the Boko Haram sect, chose to remain at home.
One of the worshippers at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic church, Rose Iroabuchi told P.M.NEWS that though, she was in church, “I am still very much afraid because this people are very dangerous and could do anything at anytime.
“If you think about of all that has been happening, you will agree with me that there is serious cause for concern. As you can see, many people have travelled and many decided to avoid coming to church. The parishioners are apprehensive and the church is empty.”
P.M.NEWS also observed heavy security presence in major churches within the Kano city.
Soldiers, mobile policemen and some other security agents were seen at the church entrances searching and checking people going into the church premises.
Car owners were also advised to park hundreds of metres away from the church premises, while movement of people was strictly monitored.
P.M.NEWS also reports that inter state transporters plying the southern part of the country have continued to enjoy huge patronage as non-natives in the city of Kano are still fleeing from the city ravaged by Boko Haram terrorists.
Most families who are leaving with their household items load them in lorries, while they board luxury buses.
Economic activities in the commercial city has continued to dwindle coupled with the refusal of banks to commence operation since the coordinated bomb attacks on the city on Friday, 20 January 2012.
P.M.NEWS also observed that policemen and traffic wardens have abandoned the roundabouts where they controlled traffic, while the Hisbah Guards and Almajiris have taken over the traffic control job.
At the time of filing this report, there has not been any news of attack in Kano today, though residents still live in fear.
—Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/ Kano