Security Beefed-Up At Onitsha Mammy Market

Following the recent bomb blasts at Mogadishu Barracks in Abuja on January 1, security at the Army Barracks Mammy Market in Onitsha has been beef-up. The 302 Artillery Regiment and 14 Field Engineers, Onitsha, is the only military barracks in Anambra. Our correspondent who visited the Mammy Market learnt that new security measures had been put in place to monitor movements at night. According to a trader who pleaded anonymity, the market now closes by 9 p.m. as against 10 p.m . . “There has been increased patrol in the market after the 9 p.m. deadline. “The on-going perimeter fencing of the barracks has been fastened to ensure quick completion and comprehensive policing of the entire barracks,” he said. . When our correspondent contacted the Acting Commander of the 302 Artillery Regiment, Lt. Co!. 1. Akpan, he said he could only talk on the directive from the Army Headquarters. “The barracks security matter is internal and not for public,” he added. Meanwhile, Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State has given N50,000 each to grassroots football clubs in the 177 communities of the state to encourage them to groom footballers. Obi had earlier given private and public secondary and primary schools in the communities jerseys, boots and other kits. He made the donation at the closing ceremony of the maiden Ojukwu U-14 Boys Soccer Championship held at Gabros Stadium, Nnewi in Anambra State. Obi represented by the Sports Commissioner, Chinwe Anowai, said the government sponsored the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) organised championship to honour Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu.