US asks citizens to avoid 14 Northern states
The United States has warned its citizens in Nigeria to stay away from 14 northern states in the country.
The travel alert comes a week ahead of the 12th anniversary of the September 11, 2011 attacks on the twin towers and the World Trade Centre in New York.
“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 travels.”
The statement added that the restriction was to prevent Americans from being caught up in the event of violent reactions that could occur in the country.
“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 .
The travel alert comes a week ahead of the 12th anniversary of the September 11, 2011 attacks on the twin towers and the World Trade Centre in New York.
“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 travels.”
The statement added that the restriction was to prevent Americans from being caught up in the event of violent reactions that could occur in the country.
“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 .
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