Boko Haram bring fears in Eid celebration, Nigeria

Boko Haram bring fears in Eid celebration, Nigeria

IN Kano (Nigeria) (AFP) - Muslims in Nigeria told Chat212 - Kano, Boko Haram bring fears in Eid celebration...
Muslims in Nigeria's northeast marked a fearful, low key Eid-El-Kabir festival Saturday, as the military detained alleged Boko Haram Islamist militants and the authorities ordered roads closed.

The embattled Yobe and Borno states declared a travel ban for the duration of the Muslim holiday weekend to guard against Boko Haram attacks.

That meant residents in both states -- ground zero for Boko Haram attacks that have killed thousands in the last five years -- had to trek long distances to visit mosques and to reach friends and relatives for traditional feasts.

The military in Yobe arrested dozens of suspected Boko Haram militants who had allegedly sneaked into the state capital Potiskum to prepare attacks during Eid, a senior security source told Chat212 - Kano - Saturday.

"We have in the last three days made 57 arrests of suspected Boko Haram terrorists who infiltrated Potiskum ‎in preparation for planned massive attacks during the Eid celebrations," said the source who asked not to be named because he was not authorised to speak to the media.

The traditional chief of Potiskum had to make a last-minute change in the venue of the Eid prayers because of security concerns, residents said.

The travel lockdown has prevented many residents from buying lambs or other livestock used in traditional sacrifices during the festivities‎.

"Rams are cheaper in the countryside and my plan was to go to a rural market to buy one for the sacrifice, but the restriction of movement has deprived me of that opportunity," Potiskum resident Lawanti Musa said.

Potiskum is the commercial hub of the state, with a huge market attracting traders from all over the region.