Following deadly overnight attacks in Maiduguri by the suspected Islamist sect, Boko Haram, Borno state government in consultation with military authorities on Monday imposed a 24-hour curfew on the Capital City.
A statement by the Secretary to Borno state government, Baba Ahmed Jidda, said “”The Borno state government in consultation with the military has decided to impose a 24-hour curfew on Maiduguri.
“The imposition of the curfew is necessitated by an attack in Maiduguri by people suspected to be Boko Haram members in the early hours of today.”
The sect members were said to have attacked the Maiduguri International Airport and the Nigerian Air Force Base, killing hundreds of people with guns and bombs.
“Only vehicles on emergency calls and essential services are allowed to move while the curfew will be lifted as soon as situation improves,” Borno SSG stated further.
Owing to frequent attacks that had led to the death of thousands of people and property worth several millions of naira destroyed, President Goodluck Jonathan, in May declared a state of emergency in Borno and the neighbouring Yobe and Adamawa states.
Following the expiration of the emergency rule after six months, the National Assembly recently approved the President’s request for an extension by another six months.
Also, to enable the military contain the insurgents, Nigerian Army authorities have established a Division headed by a General Officer Commanding (GOC) dedicated to counter-terrorism and headquartered in Maiduguri, Borno state capital.
