Movement restricted in Maiduguri for 48 hours; horses also barred

Movement restricted in Maiduguri for 48 hours; horses also barred

Thursday, January 1, 2015 1:27 pm


File Photo: soldiers on patrol in Maiduguri: Streets deserted today

File Photo: soldiers on patrol in Maiduguri: Streets deserted today

The two-day restriction of vehicular movements in Maiduguri, capital of Nigeria’s north east state of Borno began today. It will also be enforced tomorrow, the Eid-El-Maulud celebration.

Both today and tomorrow are work free days in Nigeria to commemorate the New Year and Eid-El-Maulud respectively.

The vehicular restriction began at 6 a.m. today and it will be in force till 6 p.m. local time on Friday.

According to Col. Sani Usman, spokesperson for the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, the measure was aimed at preventing security breach during the holidays.

Usman said movements by animals like horses, bicycles, motorcycles tricycles and motor vehicles are totally banned in the state during the period, noting that the restriction is to ensure adequate protection of lives and property of law-abiding citizens of the state.

Northeast Nigeria has been continually attacked by Boko Haram. The terrorist group targeted churches during previous festive seasons.

More than 2,000 civilians have been killed by Boko Haram in 2014. The kidnapping of more than 200 schoolgirls by the group eight months ago from the town of Chibok in Borno has sparked international outrage.


Join The Conversation

What do you think?

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.