From HASSAN JIRGI Damaturu
Two weekly markets in Yobe State have reportedly been shutdown, following renewed attacks by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Gamboru market in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
As part of efforts to curtail the activities of insurgents in the region, the Yobe State government has ordered the immediate closure of two weekly markets in Damaturu and Buni Yadi.
Similarly, trading did not take place at Buni Yadi Friday Market, along with the popular Damaturu Sunday Market in the state capital
When AljazirahNigeria contacted the Special Adviser on Security Matters to the governor, Brigadier-General Dahiru Abdulsalam (rtd), he explained that the action was to enable government, in collaboration with security agencies, take proactive steps and consolidate the successes recorded in the ongoing counter-insurgency operation.
According to him, the temporary measure is for the safety of lives and property of people in the environment.
“Although this decision may come with its attendant consequences, it has, however, become necessary in our collective interest and for the success of the operation”, he added.
He uged the people in the area to provide useful information about criminals in order to save lives, property and critical national assets and infrastructure.
AljazirahNigeria recalls that the closure came days after an improvised explosive device was reportedly planted in a mosque at Gamboru market.
