The U.S. Department of State yesterday warned American citizens living in Nigeria over possible attacks that might be carried out by extremists during the forthcoming Easter celebration that will begin on Friday through Monday.
This warning came barely 48 hours after the United States issued a fresh travel alert for Nigeria as a result of the bomb blast that reportedly claimed 75 lives and a lot of properties in Nyanya area of Abuja.
“The Government of Nigeria has declared Friday, April 18 and Monday, April 21, public holidays, and given the history of bombing attacks on weekends (some associated with holidays), as well as the recent bombing in Nyanya on April 14, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria urges all U.S. citizens living and traveling in Nigeria to take extra precautions for their personal security and safety,” said the warning which was made in a statement obtained by our correspondent.
The U.S. advised all American citizens to be particularly vigilant around churches and other places of worship, locations where large crowds may gather, government facilities, and areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers during the upcoming holiday weekend.
In the warning, the U.S. noted that security measures in Nigeria remained heightened due to threats posed by extremist groups, stressing that U.S. citizens should expect additional police and military checkpoints, additional security, and possible road blocks throughout the country during the holiday weekend.
The Department, however, recommended that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Nigeria enroll in the Department of States’ Smart Traveller Enrollment Programme (STEP) which it said would give Americans the latest security updates, and make it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact them in an emergency. A leadership.ng extract.
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