FCT Residents live in Panic

Like the popular book, “No Longer at Ease”, written by the renowned novelist, Prof. Chinua Achebe, strong indications have emerged that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has become a shadow of its former self.
Besides the fear of possible attack from members of the Islamic sect, residents of the territory now have to contend with various security checks on the roads and at government establishments.
At the Defence Headquarters in Area 8, the double-lane roads that enclave the head office of the Nigeria Armed Forces were all cordoned off, leaving the motorists and passers-by at the mercy of other alternatives to their various destinations.
A passer-by, Lawal Suleiman, who spoke to our correspondent, yesterday, described the present situation in Nigeria as worrisome.
According to Suleiman, “Nigeria is in a big trouble if the situation has now turned to this! You can imagine that the terrorist attack in the country is becoming so frightening even to the military officers in which they try to block every where in order to protect themselves. So, tell me, what will ordinary Nigerians do?”
The National Assembly entrance at the Three Arms Zone was not left out. Motorists, who were going into the complex, were subjected to checks and scrutiny, causing a long queue of vehicles at both sides of the roads reaching the Shehu Shagari Way.
Barrister Fatai Abdullahi, whose office is located at Garki 11 but was at National Assembly for business, said the security check “is unbearable”.
“Nigerians are being subjected to excruciating pains coupled with the fear of terrorism in the country. I have been at this point for over 30 minutes now in the name of security checks. Is this how we will now be living in Nigeria?” he asked.
A check at the State Security Service Headquarters along Aso Drive in the FCT also showed that one of the roads across the office was barricaded, while armed and stern-looking guards were positioned at strategic places.
Again, at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Wuse Zone 3, the two ends of the Herbert Macaulay Way was blocked despite the busy nature of the road.
A police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the dimension of the terrorist attacks in some parts of the north called for caution.
On the inconvenience the road blockage is causing the commuters, the officer simply said: “You know prevention is better than cure.”