US warns of fresh bomb blast in Abuja •Asks officials to stay away from luxury hotels •As UN condemns terrorist attacks, killings in Nigeria •Pope calls for end to violence

THE United States on Saturday warned its citizens to stay away from hotels in Abuja over Boko Haram bombs which might  be set off during the Sallah celebrations.
It said it had information that key hotels in Abuja could be bombed as Muslims celebrated the Eid-el-Kabir.
A statement issued by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria on Saturday said the warning became necessary following increased terrorist attacks in Borno and Yobe states.  The message, entitled "Emergency message for the attention of all U.S. citizens in Abuja, Nigeria," reads:
“Following the recent Boko Haram, aka Nigerian Taliban, attacks in Borno and Yobe states, the U.S. Embassy has received information that Boko Haram may plan to attack several locations and hotels in Abuja, Nigeria, during the Sallah holiday.  Potential targets may include the Nicon Luxury, the Sheraton Hotel, and the Transcorp Hilton Hotel.
“All U.S. government personnel have been instructed to avoid these locations, and previously scheduled events have been cancelled.  American citizens should expect additional police and military checkpoints, additional security, and possible roadblocks in Abuja for the foreseeable future.
“The U.S. government has no additional information regarding the timing of the possible attacks.
“The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens to exercise additional caution.   Please maintain a high state of vigilance and personal awareness, particularly in and around Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, near Nigerian government facilities, diplomatic missions, large gathering places, hotels, markets and malls, and places of worship.
“We advise all U.S. citizens to review their personal security plans, remain aware of their surroundings, including local events, monitor local news stations for updates, and report specific incidents of targeted violence to the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the U. S. Consulate General in Lagos. U.S. citizens should maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance their personal security.
“U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Nigeria are strongly advised to enroll through the State Department’s Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP). U.S. citizens without Internet access may enroll directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  By enrolling, you make it easier for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to contact you in case of emergency.
“U.S. citizens should contact the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos for up-to-date information on any restrictions.”
When Nigerian Tribune reporter visited Transcorp Hotel, on Sunday, extra security presence was noticed.  Inside the hotel, business was gong on and a number of expatriates were seen around.
Meanwhile, this warning came after a Nigerian Red Cross official assessing the spate of bomb blasts in Nigeria, said over 100 people had died in recent attacks engineered by the defiant Islamic sect, Boko Haram, in the northeastern part of the country.
Meanwhile, Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday appealed for an end to all violence, saying it would only increase problems, sow hatred and division, even among the faithful.
He told tourists in St. Peter's Square that he was following with apprehension the news from Nigeria.
The Red Cross official, identified as Ibrahim Bulama, told Associated Press he expected the death toll to rise as local clinics and hospitals tabulate the casualty figures from the attacks on Friday in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State.
The news agency quoted Bulama as saying "while the hard-hit city remained calm and its Muslim inhabitants celebrated a religious holiday on Sunday, army and police units manned roadblocks leading into the town and streets remained largely quiet."
The news agency also reported that the  Boko Haram killed a police inspector on Sunday in the city of Maiduguri, the sect's spiritual home.
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