Bomb memories keep Nigeria celebrations low-key

Reuters

1 October 2011

Bomb memories keep Nigeria celebrations low-key

Capital's streets silenced by fear of attacks

* Delta militants bombed Abuja last year

* Islamist sect has since carried out deadly bombings

ABUJA, Oct 1 (Reuters) - Nigeria kept Independence Day celebrations low-key on Saturday after a bomb during a parade last year and a series of attacks since by radical Islamists prompted authorities to tighten security across Africa's most populous nation.

Soldiers marshalled roadblocks outside luxury hotels and government buildings in the capital Abuja, some businesses closed down for the day and most people stayed indoors.

There were none of the usual flamboyant decorations, red carpets or brass bands in the capital's

Eagle Square

, the nation's celebratory venue, after Niger Delta militants this week threatened a repeat of its attack a year ago.