Kuje Attacks: Apprehensions in Abuja Over Sallah Prayers
Residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, are apprehensive of the security situation in the metropolis ahead of Saturday’s Muslim prayer in commemoration of the Eid-Adha.
Prayers are expected to be offered with sermons at praying fields across the country including Abuja.
However, the Tuesday night attacks on the Kuje Medium Correctional Centre where more than 400 inmates have escaped have created fresh fears over insecurity in the prayer grounds.
Many residents now recall years back where security agents have to screen worshippers before approaching prayer grounds.
About 64 Boko Haram suspects who were being held at the prison were said to have escaped.
Apart from the Boko haram commanders, other inmates had escaped into the metropolis with the fears that they might plot some attacks using the gatherings for Sallah prayers.
A resident of the FCT, who is also a Muslim, told the NPO Reports that residents of his estate are already expressing anxieties over the prayer grounds on Saturday as a result of the Kuje attacks.
“Those who have escaped into the communities pose serious danger and one must not take chances. Before now, cases of kidnapping were on the increase and now with as many as over 400 criminals escaping to the city, and some of them known to be terrorists, then you just have to be on the edge,” Abdulahi Alihilebu said
A banker and resident of Abuja, Mrs Halimah Adekoya, said she is not comfortable with the situation coming close to the Sallah holiday.
“The city is not safe,” she said, adding that the day of Sallah means people have to be extra-vigilant.
Although as part of efforts to assure the public, various security agencies are deploying special teams to the city centres and adjoining settlements to ensure that terrorists don’t strike during the festivities.