The United States government has warned its citizens against travelling to Nigeria, particularly during the holiday season.
The US Department of State, in a message to Americans, warned them not to embark on any trip to Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Plateau, Gombe, Yobe, Kaduna, Bauchi, Borno, and Kano states, saying they could be kidnapped, robbed or attacked by gunmen.
“Based on safety and security risk assessments, the Embassy has placed further restrictions for travel by US officials to all northern Nigerian states (in addition to those listed above),” the message said.
The department also said its officials must receive advance clearance by the US Mission for travel in the above states, as being mission-essential.
“US citizens should be aware that, in light of the continuing violence, extremists may expand their operations beyond northern Nigeria to the country’s middle and southern states. This Travel Warning replaces the Travel Warning for Nigeria dated June 21, 2012.”
“Boko Haram is responsible for killing or wounding thousands of people. Multiple suicide vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Devices (SVBIED) targeted churches, government installations, educational institutions and entertainment venues in Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Plateau, Taraba, and Yobe states,” the US said in the warning.
Despite the travel warning, US R & B superstar, Chris Brown came to play a sold out concert at the Expo Center. He had thousands of young Nigerians in attendance. The young superstar had a good time, posting pictures all over his instagram and updating his twitter.