Terror Alert: Jabi Lake Mall  Shuts Down

By Gideon Njoku

The alert by the American Embassy in Nigeria, of an imminent terror attack in Abuja, is beginning to take its toll on the residents and businesses. While residents live in panic, it is pulling Abuja economy down.

The Management of one of the biggest malls in Abuja, Jabi Lake Mall, has, as a precautionary measure, shut it down.

The sprawling and ever busy Mall is located at the Jabi area of Nigeria’s capital, Abuja.

The Management took the decision to shut it down following the terror alert raised by the US Embassy and a couple of other Foreign Missions in Abuja. They include those of the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.

In its alert, the US listed areas it considers vulnerable to the attack. They include malls, Government buildings, places of worship, schools, markets, transportation terminals and others. They also warned against large gatherings.

On Wednesday, the Embassy followed up in a statement where it said it was evacuating its non-essential staff and their families, as well as other American citizens who might require assistance.

The United Kingdom has, also, warned its citizens not to travel to Abuja, unless it was absolutely necessary. Those who live in Abuja, the UK Mission advised, should stay home and be aware of their environment.

Jabi Lake Mall’s Management, on Thursday, in a post on its Instagram page, said it shut down to review its security situation. It added that it would inform customers when it would reopen.

Said the post: “To all our valued shoppers,  Jabi Lake Mall will be closed today, Thursday, October 27, 2022. This decision has been taken in the overall interest of the safety of all staff and customers of the mall.

“Centre Management is committed to minimizing any disruptions. However, the safety of our staff and shoppers remains our highest priority.

“Management is constantly reviewing the security situation in consultation with relevant security authorities, and will inform you when the mall will be reopened.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and hope to provide you with a quality shopping experience soon. Thank you.”

In the wake of the terror alert, some private schools in Abuja had quickly closed their schools. But on Wednesday, the Minister for the Federal Capital Territory, Muhammad Musa Bello, ordered them to reopen.

Same Wednesday, the Minister for Information and  Culture, Lai Mohammed, expressed the Federal Government’s strong disapproval of the terror alert by Foreign Embassies in Nigeria, and scolded the Media for lapping it up without confirming from relevant agencies.

It is alleged that Security Agencies may have advised the Jabi Lake Mall to shut down temporarily, given its location. A couple of other such places could follow the path of the Mall.