By Enyichukwu Enemanna
In response to the recent security alert by the United States Embassy in Nigeria, construction giant, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC has advised all expatriates to shun public events within Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The US had issued a security alert, warning of a possible terror attack in public buildings in Abuja as well as places of worship, schools, markets, shopping malls, hotels, bars, restaurants, athletic gatherings, transport terminals, law enforcement facilities and more.
This advice was followed up with an order for immediate evacuation of non-essential government employees and their families from Abuja.
The German company in a statement obtained by Heritage Times (HT) on Friday advised all expatriates “to avoid all public events within the FCT environment including: supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, bars, clubs and other areas where many may meet.”
The advisory in the release signed by the company’s Managing Director, Engr. Lars Richter and Corporate Security Manager, Poul Nielsen, takes effect from from Friday, 28.10.2022 in the evening until Monday, 31.10.2022 in the morning.
Julius Berger urged expatriates to instead move to other work or residential locations. “It remains possible to move to other JBN work or residential locations throughout the weekend,” the statement added.
The country’s foremost intelligence agency, the Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier announced the arrest of two terror suspects in Lugbe, an Abuja suburb in response to the security alert by the US during a sting operation.
Also, President Muhammadu Buhari had on Friday through a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu assured that the security agencies are alive to their responsibility of securing all residents of the nation’s capital and all Nigerians.
This comes ahead of the 3-day annual Nigeria Mining Week expected to commence Tuesday, Nov. 1—3 which will be flagged off by President Buhari at International Conference Centre Abuja.
Minister in-charge of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite had at a press briefing ahead of the event assured that the federal government is committed to providing adequate security for all participants.
