3rd July, 2014
Sola Adeola/Abuja
Security surveillance over the nation’s capital, Abuja, has increased following recent bomb attacks in the city. Soldiers this morning ordered traders to leave the UTC Building at Area 10, Garki, Abuja following a bomb scare at the busy business area.
The traders were given one hour notice to vacate the area before the soldiers moved in to conduct security searches.
Law enforcement agencies including operatives of the Department of State Security, policemen and others have been drafted to public parks and markets in the federal capital territory to ensure safety of life and property, P.M.NEWS investigation revealed.
Some of the operatives were seen at the Nyanya-Mararaba axis carrying out checks on commuters and motorists. Motorcyclists were stopped while bags of passengers were checked.
On 14 April, two bombs exploded at a crowded bus station at Nyanya, killing at least 88 people and injuring more than 200.
Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the bombing six days after it occurred.
Twenty-three people, including an editor with the New Telegraph newspaper were killed recently when Emab Plaza was bombed in Abuja.
Some residents of Nyanya who spoke with P.M.NEWS complained of overbearing security presence.
“Security officials are making life difficult for us. They are too overbearing. They stop you and ransack your bag and pocket as if one is carrying bombs. They are making life uncomfortable for us,” Hajia Sulia Ibrahim complained to our correspondent.
A commuter bus driver at the Nyanya motor park who simply gave his name as Felix disclosed that a task force comprising union officials have been going round the park and its surroundings to identify broken down vehicles and ensure that strange vehicles were not parked near the park.
“You know we have to be careful now. After witnessing two bomb attacks and the death of so many people, we have decided to mount surveillance round the park to prevent further shedding of blood. What we are doing is to complement security effort. Security officials have been at the park to educate us on necessary security measures we have to take to ensure safety of passengers,” the motor park worker stated.
Alhaji Abdul Razaq of Jikwoyi Quarters complained of too much suspicion by security agents drafted to the area, adding that residents feel uncomfortable whenever they are stopped. At Utako and Jabi districts, security has also been beefed up.