Tight security at plazas, markets in FCT

The management of other shopping malls and plazas in the Federal Capital Territory have tightened security arrangements around their facilities.

This came as a response to Wednesday’s bomb blast that claimed no fewer than 22 lives and injured 17 others at EMAB Plaza in Abuja.

The explosion, which jolted plaza owners in the city, seems to have made them realise how vulnerable their multi-million naira investment were to terrorist attacks.

One of our correspondents learnt that many plaza managers, who were lackadaisical about the security of their facilities, had stepped up security measures to prevent an attack on their premises. At Wuse market, the private security guards on duty were not taking any chances as they screened vehicles entering the most popular shopping centre in the city.

The same measure was observed at Garki market, where uniformed private security guards, scanned vehicle booths with metal detectors. At the Ceddi Plaza, Central Business District, the usual checking of vehicles entering the premises or using the car park was going on when our correspondent visited the place on Friday.

Tags were also given to motorists and the vehicle registration number taken down in a log book for record purposes.

The Grand Square, CBD, whose security guards did not pay attention to vehicles in their park or check them for suspicious objects, had also improved on their security consciousness as they now pay more attention to vehicles entering the premises.

Armed policemen and soldiers were still on duty as they kept vigil on the crime scene, which they cordoned off with vehicles and a tape.

Meanwhile,   the Federal Government asked Nigerians to disregard false alarm on likely fresh attacks on schools in some parts of the country following the explosion.

Speaking during the regular press briefing on security issues in the country, Coordinator of the National Information Centre, Mr. Mike Omeri, said such false alarm was intended to create panic and anxiety among the people.

Omeri, who is also the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, said the activities of insurgents targeted at some major cities was a wake-up call on all Nigerians to be more vigilant and cautious of their environment.

He said, “The centre is aware of false alarm and rumours being circulated in the social media with a view to creating panic and anxiety among the populace to the effect that some schools are being targeted for attack.

“While we urge parents and school managements to be calm, cautious and more vigilant, we wish to state that security agencies are working round the clock and have taken measures to ensure that schools are safe and academic activities unhindered.

“We therefore appeal and advise members of the public to desist from spreading false alarm messages with a view to creating panic but to work closely with security agencies and make effective use of security alert phone numbers already made available to the public.”