Businesses and social activities have been forced into a halt following roadblocks mounted along the Abuja-Keffi corridor by Nigerian soldiers on Wednesday.
Due to the blockade, most civil servants had to walk to the office. Some reported arriving at noon, others at 2 p.m., while the rest went home.
The obstruction has caused concern among some citizens. “This incident did not happen today. So, why should the soldiers react today?” said Maureen, a resident who lives nearby. She also added that she wouldn’t bother stepping out of her house if the blockade continued tomorrow.
Another resident, Mubarak, shared the sentiment. He preferred to use the next day to rest instead of suffering to go to work.
Aisha, who runs a business in Wuse, said, “I don’t think that I will cook tomorrow (Thursday) because I have spent all my profits on okada. I would rather go to the farm,” she added.
The road was blocked in response to the kidnapping at the University of Abuja on Tuesday. Suspected bandits attacked the staff quarters of the university in the Giri area of the Federal Capital Territory and kidnapped six people.
FCT Police Spokesperson, DSP Adeh Josephine, assured citizens that the perpetrators would be arrested. Commander of Guards Brigade Brigadier Gen Mohammed Takuti Usman also said that Abuja is safe, and citizens may continue their lawful businesses as usual.
