Eid-el-Fitri : Police bans movement of Vehicles in Maiduguri

The Borno State Police Command have reintroduced the non-movement of vehicles in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, as a result of recent security breaches.

This has been the same situation for the residents of the state during any religious celebration in the last six years indoors as a result of Boko Haram insurgency.

This was stopped last year as security improved with the push back of Boko Haram and the capture of Sambisa Forest.

The security situation has recently deteriorated with an attempted invasion of Maiduguri by insurgents, suicide bomb attacks at the University of Maiduguri and highway ambush, among others.

In order to check against security breaches during the Eid-el-Fitri celebration, the police in the state ordered that vehicles should be off the road in the early hours of the celebration when Islamic faithful are expected at Prayer Grounds.

In a signed press statement on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer in Borno State, Victor Isuku, Moslems are advised to pray at Prayer Ground close to their homes where they are expected to trek to.

The statement read: “In view of the Eid-el-Fitr Sallah celebration coming up on or about 25/6/2017, Borno state police command wishes to reiterate its commitment towards ensuring a crime hitch-free celebration.

In pursuance, therefore, the residents of Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere local government areas are by this release informed that there will be a restriction of vehicular movement until after the Eid prayers on 25/6/2017.

“The restriction will include the use of motor vehicles, tricycles, bicycles and animals except those on essential duties.

This restriction though regrettable is necessary in view of recent security concerns. Moslem faithful’ are therefore advised to pray at Eid prayer grounds close to their homes.

Isuku, in the statement, advised “the general public to be security conscious at all times and to report any strange or suspicious person(s)/movements or objects to the nearest police officer/station or other security agencies.”

Source: ( Punch Newspaper )