Fred Itua, Abuja 

Supporters of President Muhammadu Buhari, in many parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, yesterday morning barricaded roads to celebrate his re-election.

They also prevented motorists and other road users from going about their duties.

The supporters, in their thousands, started jubilating at about 12.30am, yesterday, immediately after Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, announced that Buhari won his re-election.

Multiple eyewitnesses told Daily Sun that in some parts of Abuja suburbs, guns were fired, while in other parts, the supporters besieged private homes of people and compelled them to join in the celebration. 

The celebration, which entered into the early hours of yesterday, took a worrisome dimension, when more supporters joined the groove. Hundreds of motorcyclists, popularly called Okada, golf Volkswagen cars and barrows, took over many parts of Abuja.

In the Kubwa axis of Abuja, major roads were barricaded and tires were set on fire. Some road users and passengers had to abandon their vehicles and scampered for safety.

It took the intervention of policemen and soldiers to reopen some of the roads. Major markets were shut while the celebrations lasted.

At the Federal Secretariat, Okada riders defied the ban and besieged the city in their hundreds. Women, children and youths, marched to various ministries within the area; as part of the celebration.

Perturbed by the situation, some private schools in Abuja closed early. Parents were summoned to take custody of their children, while others solicited for the help of security agents to protect their schools.

Thereafter, reports indicated that five people died as a result of the celebration.

Worried by the development, Minister of the FCT, Mr. Muhammad Bello, enjoined residents to be restrained in their celebration of the president’s victory and be mindful of their utterances and actions while expressing their happiness.