Despite assurances by the Federal Government and authorities of the Federal Capital Territory residents of the FCT were caught by the terror alerts issued by the United States and the United Kingdom.
Presently, it is beginning to affect businesses and social life in the capital city, as the city is gradually shutting down.
All those were even after repeated assurances by President Muhammadu Buhari and security agencies asking residents there was no need to panic and that people should go about their business.
None the less, residents of the FCT seem to be staying away from large gatherings, shopping malls, fun spots and even worship places in response to the alerts.
Visits to different parts of the FCT showed that there were fewer vehicles plying major roads, while only a few individuals patronised gardens, relaxation centres and sporting complexes.
The usually busy Berger Roundabout up to Utako Motor Park, Area One axis, Nyanya/Karu axis, Kubwa, Lugbe and Lokogoma axis witnessed fewer motorists, commuters and human movements.
Also, the Shoprite Mall at Apo, Sylvirbird Center, Airport Road and the Novare Centre at Wuse Zone 5, which used to witness a throng of human beings, had fewer shoppers than usual on Saturday up till Sunday afternoon.
The situation was not different at several other shopping centres visited by our correspondents, including Area One, Banex axis in Wuse 2, H-Medix axis along Gimbiya Street, Area eleven, Adetokumbo Ademola Street, Federal Housing, Lugbe and New Market axis in Kubwa.
Attendants at some of the malls told our correspondents that patronage and sales had dwindled since the terror alert was reported.
Even in the churches, several people stayed off worshipping Sunday, as the churches witnessed several empty seats.
Visit to Tiger Bar in Lugbe and the popular Magicland Amusement Park, where there were only a few fun-seekers.
Meanwhile, the Director of the National Children’s Park and Zoo, Aminu Muhammad, said the park conducted a search on visitors and closed at 6:30pm to make sure everyone left “in good time.”
He stated, “We make sure everyone going in is checked thoroughly, and if we suspect anything, we report it immediately. You noticed we have an army checkpoint before you got here, so we are in constant synergy and we close in good time, at 6:30 pm.”
At the Millennium Park, one of our correspondents observed two armed policemen and private security guards at the gate, although regulars at the Park said policemen have always been around at the Park’s entrance.
A staff member further stated that the park maintained its regular closing time of 6pm, not withstanding the terror alerts.
