The United States Embassy has warned of possible terror
attacks on hotels in Lagos, especially those frequented by expatriates and
foreign visitors during the public holidays to commemorate the end-of-fasting
festivities.
The
Federal Government earlier declared Tuesday and Wednesday public holidays but
added Thursday, after the Sultan of Sokoto and spiritual leader of Nigerian
Muslims, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, declared that the Ramadan fast continues
today (Tuesday) as a result of the non-sighting of the moon yesterday.
In
a statement on its website Tuesday, the US Mission in Nigeria alerted that
“groups associated with terrorist activity might be planning attacks against
hotels in Lagos frequented by international visitors, including those located
on waterfronts, during the Eid-al-Fitr holidays”.
The
US Embassy’s latest warning did not mention a specific group but urged its
citizens resident in Nigeria to “review your personal security plans, remain
aware of your surroundings, including local events, and monitor local news
stations for updates”.
It
also urged them to be vigilant and take appropriate steps to enhance their
personal security.
Boko
Haram is Nigeria’s most active terrorist group and despite fears that it has sleeper
cells outside the North, where its activities are pronounced, But Boko Haram
insurgents, the sect is yet to launch any major attack in the Southwest, where
Lagos is located.
While
similar warnings by the US Consulate in 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2015 for its
citizens to be on high alert against possible terror attacks in Lagos, the
warning this time around might not be unconnected with a spate of bombing
attacks by ISIS and its affiliated groups in Saudi Arabia, Iraq and some other
countries in the past few days.
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