Sallah: Military bans vehicles on Borno, Yobe roads

Sallah: Military bans vehicles on Borno, Yobe roads

Like it did during the last Eid-el-Fitri celebration, the military authorities have placed a restriction on vehicular movement in Borno State during the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir.
The military said this move had become necessary to forestall multiple bomb explosions in the state during the sallah.
In a statement on Friday, it said, “The report at the disposal of the security agencies reveals that Boko Haram terrorists have perfected plans to launch multiple bomb explosions in Maiduguri metropolis and other major towns across Borno State during the Eid-El-Kabir celebrations 2014 using motorcycles, tri-cycles etc.”
The statement added that the insurgents main targets included Sallah praying grounds, markets and other public places.
The statement read in part, “In view of this, all manner of vehicular movement are banned in the entire state from 5pm on Friday, October 3, 2014 to 7am on Monday, October 6, 2014.
“Members of the general public are advised to perform their Eid El Kabir prayers at praying grounds nearest to their respective residences.
“While necessary security measures are being implemented, members of the public are hereby requested to comply fully with this embargo as defaulters will be severally sanctioned. However, workers on essential services, such as hospitals and fire services with clear identification, are exempted.
“Members of the public are also requested to please report any suspicious movement of persons or vehicles around their environment to the nearest security agencies.”
Meanwhile, movement of vehicles has been banned on roads in Yobe State to forestall terror attacks in the state, which is presently under emergency rule.
Motorists were turned back from travelling entering or going out of the state on Friday morning.
Motorists expressed surprise at the development as there was no communication or announcement to that effect.
A military source, who craved anonymity, said the directive was handed down by the military top hierarchy and not unilaterally done by those on the ground in Yobe.
The source said the ban would be in force until Monday.