By Daniel Tyokua
There is palpable fear in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as soldiers and other armed security men stop members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) from entering the city to protest.
Trouble started in the wee hours of Tuesday, when soldiers dispersed Shiites members from causing grilock at entrance points into the territory.
The soldiers’ efforts to stop and search vehicles coming into the Federal Capital Territory to prevent the sects from attacking innocent passerby resulted to traffic jam which made motorists to become stranded.
Major areas that were affected are Karu, Nyanya on the ever busy Abuja-Keffi road, connecting Nasarawa state, with Gwarimpa Estate and Kubwa axis that connect FCT and Niger state.
Those trapped by the traffic disclosed that a number of most passerby have been attacked, several vehicles commuting in the area vandalised and properties damaged.
The AUTHORITY recall that despite the ban on Shiites procession in Abuja, members of the sect have continued to march on the streets of the nation’s capital at intervals.
Reacting, the FCT Police command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh confirmed that 45 members of IMN have so far been arrested.
She said, “We have arrested 45 persons in connection with the protest, officers have calm down the situation”.
Mrs Adeh explained that the police would not allow break down of law and order in the Federal Capital Territory and its outskirts.
