Terror Alert: Julius Berger Shuts Down Operations In Abuja

By Gideon Njoku

Following the footsteps of Jabi Lake Mall,  one of the biggest malls in Abuja, construction giant, Julius Berger, has shut down its operations in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

This action is in response to the elevated alert of an  imminent terrorist attack in Abuja raised by the United States Embassy in Nigeria.

The Embassy had, on Sunday, raised the alert, and scaled down, very considerably, its operations at the Embassy. On Wednesday, it followed up by offering a voluntary evacuation of its non-essential staff and their families in Abuja.

Other Foreign Missions, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and India, have also raised same alert just like the US. The UK has warned its citizens in Nigeria against any trip to Abuja.

On Saturday, October 29, Julius Berger, in adherence to the security alert shut down its operations in Abuja.

In a statement on Saturday, the Company warned its staff and family members: “It is advised to avoid all public events within the FCT environment, including supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, bars, clubs and other  areas where many meet.

“This advice is applicable from 28-10-2022 in the evening, until Monday, 31-10-2022 in the morning.

“It remains possible to move to other JBN work or residential locations throughout the weekend. Your safety is our primary concern.”

Our Correspondent in Abuja reports that traffic, since Friday, has been unusually light. Many, ordinarily, busy areas are near-empty. Businesses are down, as people are afraid to step out.

There are, also, fears that worship places will be empty on Sunday, in response to the dire security situation.

However, while preaching vigilance, the Federal Government says it is on top of the situation. Abuja and environs are also bristling with special security operatives.