Terror attack: More countries warn citizens in Nigeria, churches beef-up security

The governments of Germany, Bulgaria, Ireland and Denmark have cautioned their citizens against non-essential travel to Abuja, Nigeria’s capital over a heightened risk of terror attacks.

The travel advisories came a few days after the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada had warned of a possible terror attack in Abuja.

The federal government through the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed had since dismissed the advisories and specifically said the United States was also not safe.

The embassies had listed targets to include schools, government buildings, hotels, markets, shopping malls, bars, athletic gatherings, transport terminals, law enforcement facilities, restaurants, places of worship and international organisations.

The German Foreign Office, in its latest travel advice, cautioned its nationals against non-essential travel to Abuja at present.

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In a travel advisory on its website dated October 27, the German government urged its citizens to limit journeys within Abuja to the absolute minimum, avoid crowds and busy public places, and be extra vigilant and prudent.

The government also urged its nationals not to travel to certain areas of Nigeria, except where necessary.

Also, a travel advisory on the website of Bulgaria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “We recommend that Bulgarian citizens residing short-term or long-term on the territory of Nigeria, and especially in the capital, limit only to urgent cases, refrain from visiting public events and avoid the clusters of people around government institutions, markets, shopping centres and entertainment complexes.”

Similarly, Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement on its website, said Nigeria is experiencing unrest in several parts of the country, and that there are currently reports of an increased risk of terrorist attacks, particularly in Abuja. It, therefore, urged its citizens to exercise caution, especially in and around Abuja.

The ministry also advised its nationals against all travel to the states of Adamawa, Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Taraba, Plateau, Bauchi, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kogi, Abia, Bayelsa, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Cross River.

Meanwhile, some worshippers in the FCT said they would be avoiding physical service and worship via satellite and the internet, saying large gatherings may be the major target of the terrorists.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in a statement, asked churches and, by extension, all Nigerians to be vigilant and alert security agencies of any suspicious movements in their vicinities while the church would continue to pray for them.

“We must do whatever it takes to stop those plotting to eliminate innocent citizens anywhere in the country by brutal means, from achieving their ignoble objectives. They must not be allowed to continue their wickedness,” he charged.