Weekend wedlocks: Maiduguri peaceful, not shut down

By Kunle Akinsola

… excited residents, visitors savour the allure of the city

Contrary to reports that Maiduguri, the Borno State capital was locked down by the police on Saturday, Dec. 28 for some “federal government functionaries” attending a wedding, the city was and is still gridlock-free and peaceful.

Persecondnews recalls that it was a weekend of weddings and flurry of other social activities in the ancient city including the wedlocks of two children of the Group Managing Director, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Malam Mele Kyari, and the younger sister of Intelligence Response Team, IRT boss, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari. 

Apart from traffic calming in some parts of the city, generally there was free flow of human and vehicular movements as the social events constituted no nightmare to motorists and residents.

Movements around the city from the airport to various locations were unimpeded both on tricycle and vehicles with armed security personnel in strategic points not harassing bystanders, pedestrians and motorists.

Again, the airport witnessed a manageable traffic as some aircraft flew in and out of Maiduguri International Airport.

Excited city dwellers said the wedding ceremonies had changed the face of Maiduguri socially and added colour as it played host to hundreds of visitors from across the country.

Several attendees had twitted about their impression of the events including a woman, Dr Mairo Mandara, who said on her twitter handle:“Thank you Alh. Mele Kyari GMD NNPC for taking your daughter’s wedding Fatiha home to Maiduguri.

“Thousands of Nigerians visited the city today (Dec. 28) and experienced the hospitality of Borno, from Sinisir to Biski, Kunun gyada and lamb BBQ.

“Please share your good experiences of Maiduguri.’’

The city allurement was irresistible to a first-time visitor who had the impression of a post-insurgency beleaguered city and state.

“I find the allure of the big city highly irresistible, I can see and savour a peaceful city and hospitable people,’’ said Mr Olutunde Bayode .

However, some roads were partially closed to traffic particularly the ones leading to the airport for security purposes, according to Police spokesman, DSP Edet Okon.

Persecondnews reports that in spite of the diversions, police were able to manage the traffic effectively with seamless vehicular movements.