There was tension in many cities in the North on Thursday as security agents made efforts to prevent outbreak of protests over an amateur film said to be offensive to Muslims.

In Jos, Plateau State; Kaduna in Kaduna State and Kano, Kano State, security operatives intensified patrols, especially at flashpoints in the cities.

The PUNCH learnt on Thursday that fundamentalists in the North had been holding meetings to kick against the film which on Tuesday caused riots in Benghazi, Libya; and Egypt.

The United States Ambassador to Libya, Chris Steven, and three other American diplomats were killed on Tuesday by gunmen who attacked the US consulate in Benghazi.

But less than 24 hours after the Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, put the Police on the alert nationwide, the US advised its citizens in Nigeria not to take the threat of attacks by extremists lightly.

“Extremists may attempt to target US citizens and other Westerners in Nigeria. The US Mission in Nigeria strongly urges US citizens in Nigeria to consider their personal security and to keep personal safety in the forefront of their planning,” the embassy warned in a statement on Thursday.

The statement on the Embassy’s website added, “The US Mission reminds citizens of the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations, and other violent actions against US citizens and interests overseas.

“Violent and deadly demonstrations and attacks occurred in Cairo, Egypt, and Benghazi, Libya, in the past 24 hours, including a lethal attack against the US Consulate in Benghazi

“Last week, extremists attacked cellular telephone towers in Northern Nigeria, damaging over 30 towers and degrading cellular telephone and internet communications nationwide.

“Additional attacks could further weaken the ability of citizens to communicate through cellular telephones and the internet.

“Land line telephone communications in Nigeria remain limited. US citizens should attempt to arrange for multiple means of communication during emergencies.”

The deployment of armed policemen in the northern states on Wednesday notwithstanding, residents of Kaduna, Kano and Jos as well as other major towns expressed fear that violence might break out, especially after Jumat on Friday (today). http://www.punchng.com/news/movie-protests-tension-mounts-in-kaduna-jos/