Eerie Silence On Major Roads In Northern Nigeria Linked To Fear Of Attacks

In anticipation of a violent response by Muslims angered by an American-made hate flick that portrayed Mohamed as a degenerate, drivers in Northern Nigeria avoided the major roads and business hubs in the region.

Travelers deserted the roads in Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, Damaturu, Maiduguri, Niger and some parts of Zaria in Kaduna State.

Violence in Libya and Yemen yesterday, and the killing of the U.S. ambassador to Libya, prompted Muslim clerics in the area to call for justice. "Such actions are orchestrated by the enemies of peace to bring about chaos which must be condemned by religious leaders all over the world," said Chief Imam of Jos Central Mosque, Sheikh Balarabe Daud.  Sheikh Alhassan Sa'id was reported to say that the only way Muslims can be appeased is for the United States to arrest and prosecute these behind the movie. But most religious leaders called on their followers to exercise restraint.

SaharaReporters authoritatively gathered that some workers in Jos, Kaduna, and Zaria did not turn up, while others left before noon for the fear of the trouble.

In all the cities, combat-ready security personnel have been watching over movement to avoid any break down of law and order.

A source who traveled from Bauchi to Jos said some shops were closed in Jos, the same it was said in Zaria, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi and Maiduguri.