Kano (Nigeria) (AFP) -
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 AFP 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.
"They
were arrested in different parts of the town and they were sent in
advance, while weapons they were to use in the planned attacks were to
be smuggled in later," he said.
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.
The
town's main market was also closed on Friday because of security fears
and many people were unable to buy condiments for their special meals,
due to the market closure, meaning they had to make do with canned
tomato puree.
"The Eid celebration is not the same due to the fears of attack and the restriction of movements," said resident Shuaibu Kabiru.
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