September 11 And The Nigerian Effect - Any Correlation?

Today is the 12th Anniversary of the infamous September 11 attacks on the US by terrorists. The terrorists hijacked four US passenger planes and caused the cataclysmic destruction of thousands of souls. One thing that stands out today's celebration from other years is that the kingpin behind the heinous crime, Osama Bin Laden was killed by a highly intelligent team of US Seals whose precision was matchless. Across the US, today's event is marked by formal events such as public reading of the victims' names, wreath-lying ceremony and charity fund-raisers.
That is not what caught my attention. What made me reverse my day-off writing decision was this; a warning by the US government to its citizens in Nigeria:

The United States of America has declared 14 states in northern Nigeria unsafe for its citizens in the country and has enforced a restricted travel policy for its citizens to these states.
According to World Bulletin, its embassy in Nigeria advised its citizens to avoid the states ahead of the 12th Anniversary of the September 2011 attacks on the Twin Towers and the World Trade Centre. For safety and security concerns, the US Mission in Nigeria is enforcing a restricted travel policy for US Embassy personnel to the States of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kastina, Kebbi, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara, the US Embassy in Nigeria posted on its website.

"US citizens should be mindful of this and consider taking similar steps when planning travel", added the online statement. The statement said,"adding that the restriction is to prevent American citizens from hurt in the event of spontaneous demonstrations that could occur on the 9/11 anniversary. Spontaneous demonstrations are also like to occur in these and possibly other areas within Nigeria in response to heightened tensions in the Middle East, as well as the lead up to September 11" said the statement. "US citizens should avoid areas of demonstrations and exercise caution in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests or demonstrations" it added.

It instructed US citizens to also remain vigilant around churches, mosques, other places of worship and locations where large crowds may gather such as hotels, markets, malls and other places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers, particularly on the anniversary of the attack. The Embassy recommended that American citizens traveling in Nigeria enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveller Enrollment Program [STEP]. STEP enrolment gives you the latest security updates and makes it easier for the US Embassy or nearest US Consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don't have internet access, enroll directly with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate" the online statement said.

What is your reaction to this?
#Foreign Relations



Thanks Aplenty 
Have yourselves an INSPIRED LIFE!
mfonobonginyang@gmail.com
07038214925
M."I".I (c) 2013.