Movement of people and vehicles in the insurgency-ravaged Borno and Yobe states of the north-east has been restricted to protect lives and property during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

The Spokesman of the Borno Police Command, Victor Isuku, who announced the restriction yesterday explained, the action was taken to protect lives and property in the Maiduguri metropolis and the liberated communities.

“The restrictions, though regrettable, will include vehicles, tricycle, bicycles and animals, except those on essential duties. Muslim faithful are advised to pray for the Sallah at the respective prayer grounds close to homes and ensure they go early enough for security screening.

“This is to avoid rush when prayers are about to commence, thereby compromising the emplaced security measures. Parents who go to prayer grounds with their children are advised to watch and take proper care of them so as to avert the incidents of missing ones,” Isuku said in a statement.

The police advised youths not to carry any dangerous weapons to the praying grounds and recreational centres. Isuku warned that any person found with such weapons, would be arrested and prosecuted in a court of law. He urged members of the general public to be security conscious and law-abiding.

In Yobe State, Governor Ibrahim

Gaidam restricted the movement of vehicles from 10:00 p.m. yesterday till 11:00 a.m. today, Friday.In a statement yesterday in Damaturu, the Director of Press Affairs to the governor, Abdullahi Bego said: “The public is also advised that no vehicle, except those on official duty and with valid security clearance, will be allowed in or around Eid-prayer grounds.”

Bego said the state government adopted the measure in consultation with the heads of security and law enforcement agencies to ensure smooth, secure and hitch-free prayers today. He advised members of the general public to fully cooperate with the security agents.

•Excerpted from a Guardian report.

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