http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2011/may/29/national-29-05-2011-004.html

Boko Haram threatens Yakowa’s inauguration
•14,000 policemen, soldiers deployed in Kaduna
From NOAH EBIJE, Kaduna
Sunday, May 29, 2011


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Palpable fear has gripped Kaduna residents as text messages are flying around that the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, is allegedly planning to disrupt the inauguration of Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa. To this end, 14,000 policemen deployed in the state have joined forces with other security operatives in Kaduna metropolis and environs to protect lives and property during the inauguration ceremony.

Stern-looking security operatives have also cordoned off the proposed venue of the swearing in ceremony to forestall any break down of law and order, just as shop owners around the vicinity were denied access to their businesses premises 24 hours to the event.

The state’s police spokesman, DSP Aminu Lawan, said: “14,000 police officers from Kaduna are involved in the special assignment, 5,000 from Abuja and other neighbouring states will complement our strength in this inauguration ceremony. Also, there is a deployment from anti-terrorist and mobile force unita. “This is to tell you that our command is fully prepared, security-wise, to protect the people before, during and after the inauguration in Kaduna.
“Before now, we have released a lot of statements circulated to all media houses, urging members of the public to volunteer useful information to the police and to disregard any form of rumour-mongering in the state.

“We have heard so many things, but we want to discourage the circulation of these text messages, and if others get it, we want to discourage people not to forward it to either friends or relations because it will cause tension and problem. The command has put measures in place to track those behind the messages,” he said. Sunday Sun investigation revealed that the deployment was not unconnected with the last post-election violence that engulfed Kaduna and some northern states, coupled with the circulation of text messages that the Boko Haram would strike at the venue of the inauguration.

A combination of the army, police and other security operatives have since engaged in stop-and-search operation in strategic locations and areas considered as flash points. The police have also issued a warning to those sending the text messages to desist. Commissioner of police, Ballah Nassarawa, said those circulating the text messages would be dealt with, warning them to stop.

I just hope noting goes wrong