The palpable tension gripping residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, over the security threat, took a new turn on Friday and Saturday when Ireland, Canada, Australia, and other countries issued travel advisories to their citizens to depart Nigeria.
The tension in Abuja and its environs began on Sunday when the United States and the United Kingdom warned of a possible terrorist attack in the nation’s capital, saying the terrorists are aiming at government facilities, places of worship and schools, among others.
Several government and private establishments have been shutting down operations over the fear of attack by the daredevil terrorists that have, over the years, kept the country hostage.
a popular shopping mall in the territory, Jabi Lake Mall, on Friday shut down operations in response to the rising security threat.
Several residents who were sceptical at the beginning of the week when the advisory was issued began to take the security advisory seriously when further directives came from the United States Embassy that their citizens, alongside their family members, should leave Abuja as quickly as possible for their safety.
Reports had also emerged earlier in the week that security operatives comprising the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, and others raided the Trademore Estate in Lugbe, where at least two suspected bombers were allegedly arrested.