Bomb Blast: Army to reopen shut mammy market

BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI

ABUJA—The Army yesterday disclosed that the Mammy Market in Mogadishu Cantonment barracks which was closed as a result of last December 31, 2010, bomb blast is to be opened soon.

Commander,Army Headquarters Garrison, Maj-Gen Mike Nasamu, who made the disclosure at the 2010 West African Social Activities, WASA, pointed out that “it is very difficult to freeze somebody who wants to go and have a good time in a market place; we also understand that we need to put a few things in place”.

As part of putting in place new security measures, he said, “for instance all the buildings that were outside the market have been brought down to allow us control the business hour of the mammy market and when we say close for the day, you close“.

Nasamu explained that they have been able to clear all the debris inside the market to enable freer access and movement into the market adding,  “NEMA has been very helpful; they actually came to replace most of the items that were lost by those affected.

“But there is still a challenge. NEPA is not guaranteed so we are in the process of installing a generator so that when the light goes off, there is standby that can power the security light we have in place now so that we don’t have darkness that will not to allow us see what is going on the market”.

Explaining that WASA is a social interaction where troops, families and friends mark the end of the year in a relaxed atmosphere and get ready to start the new training year, he said, “As you know security cannot be over played and cannot be overemphasized, once we have these things in place, it is for the good of all”.

Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Azubuike Ihejirika  used the occasion to condemn acts of terrorism all over the country.
The Army Chief represented Maj-Gen Yusuf Pyeng, Provost Marshal Nigerian Army said the December 31st 2010 bomb blast at the Cantonment of the Mammy market where lives were lost was a wake up call for constant vigilance.

General Ihejirika said he was aware that the crime rate in the cantonment has been drastically controlled and reduced to its barest minimum there improving barrack security.

“I am also aware of the challenges you face in respect to manpower. We are doing our best to establish additional battalions approved for the formation to allow for effective participation in aid of civil authority when need arises”.

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