BOKO HARAM THREAT IN OGUN

By NBF News

As the Boko Haram threat reverberates in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, through a short message system (sms) being sent to people of the state by unknown people, the state police command has assured of adequate protection.

This development is coming just as Governor Ibikunle Amosun unveiled plans by his administration to ensure the security scare in the state last year does not repeat in 2012.

To achieve this, Amosun said his administration would purchase 1,000 bullet proof vests as well as provide 500 protective helmets and install communication equipment that would effectively cover the entire state.

In the sms text, residents of the state were told that the Boro Haram was planning to strike at important places in Ibadan, Abeokuta and Lagos through the use of blind beggars.

According to the message, 'the Boko Haram agents would pretend as beggars, but they are suicide bombers. Please, inform your loved ones to be security conscious.'

Reacting to the sms, Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi, said: 'We wish to inform the public that we are aware of an sms being circulated that the Boko Haram plans to attack some places in Ogun, but we urge the people to be calm and go about their lawful businesses.' While urging members of the public to be security conscious, Adejobi also advised them to report strange or unusual movements to the nearest police station.

Amosun in his New Year message, which was broadcast live on radio and television early yesterday, said the fleet of vehicles in the security outfits of OP MESA and Quick Response Squad would be increased from 120 to 300.

According to him, additional 20 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC's) would be procured to bring the total in the state to 30.