Nigeria Embassy Warns of Terror Attacks on Churches, Among Other Areas
The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has issued a warning concerning a possible terrorist attack in the capital city of Abuja. The reported intelligence has identified that churches, hotels and other areas within the capital have an increased chance of being attacked.
In a statement the embassy said that, “following the recent Boko Haram, aka Nigerian Taliban, attacks in Borno and Yobe State, the [embassy] has received information that Boko Haram may plan to attack several locations and hotels ... during the Sallah holiday.”
Specific suspected targets are the Nicon luxury hotel, the Sheraton hotel, and the Transcorp Hilton hotel – all of which are frequented by westerners.
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U.S. personnel were warned to avoid those places. Several events that were previously scheduled were also canceled.
The embassy also said for individuals to "please maintain a high state of vigilance and personal awareness, particularly in and around Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, near Nigerian government facilities, diplomatic missions, large gathering places, hotels, markets and malls, and places of worship."
The attacks that took place Friday claimed the lives of 65 people and were condemned by the U.N. Security-General Ban Ki-Moon and the Security Council. The terrorist conducted attacks in the northeastern cites of Damaturu and Potiskum. They attacked churches, mosques and the police headquarters, according to the U.N.
The Security Council said in a statement that “the members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of its motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group.”
The Islamic group Boko Haram is believed to be behind the attacks. Boko Haram, which means “against western influence,” wants to impose Islamic Sharia law. Al Jazeera reports the group has promised that "more attacks are on the way," according to a Boko Haram spokesman, using the name Abul-Qaqa.
Hundreds have been reportedly killed in recent months from other related attacks.
