Worried about likely violent protests ahead of the 12th anniversary of the September 11, 2011 attacks on the twin towers and the World Trade Centre in New York, the United States has issued travel alerts to it citizens.
“Because of safety and security concerns, the U.S. mission in Nigeria is enforcing a restricted travel policy for U.S. Embassy personnel to the states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara,” the US Embassy in Nigeria posted on its website yesterday.
“U.S. citizens should be mindful of this and consider taking similar steps when planning travel,” added the online statement.
The embassy said the restriction is to prevent American citizens from being hurt in the event of “spontaneous demonstrations” that could occur on the 9/11 anniversary.
“Spontaneous demonstrations are also likely to occur in these and possibly other areas within Nigeria in response to heightened tensions in the Middle East, as well as the lead up to September 11,” said the statement.
“US citizens should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations,” it added.
“US citizens should also remain vigilant around churches, mosques, other places of worship, and locations where large crowds may gather, such as hotels, markets, malls, and other areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers, particularly as the anniversary of the September 11 attacks approaches.”
The North is known to stage demonstrations against policies considered anti-Islam. The latest was the demonstration in Kano last month, against the ouster of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi by the military.
