Kyari & Kyari: A Wedding That Demonstrated Peace Has Returned To Borno

No one outside Maiduguri would have believed it was possible to hold a high profile wedding ceremony in Borno State capital, until it happened  between the children of the Group Managing Director, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Malam Mele Kyari, and the younger sister of Intelligence Response Team, IRT boss, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari.   

Visitors and residents were pleasantly surprised at the peaceful atmosphere that pervaded the city while the event went on.

“I didn’t believe anything like this could happen in Maiduguri without any incident of violence,” stated Uthman Garba, a Maiduguri based businessman who attended the wedding.

It was contrary to pre-event reports which indicated the city would be on lock down by the police on Saturday, Dec. 28  due to the presence of prominent Nigerians at the wedding .

While there was traffic gridlock along the airport road and some parts of the city due to VIP guests that descended on the city, it was a weekend of weddings and other social activities with little or no indication of any threat to peace.

There was free flow of human and vehicular movements as the social events constituted no nightmare to motorists and residents.

Traffic around the city from the airport to various locations were unimpeded both on tricycle and vehicles with armed security

The Maiduguri International Airport also witnessed unusual noise as aircrafts flew in and out, bringing visitors and guests from different parts of the country.

Dr Mairo Mandara, one of those who attended the event twitted about her impression of the events :“Thank you Alh. Mele Kyari GMD NNPC for taking your daughter’s wedding Fatiha home to Maiduguri

   “Thousands of Nigerians visited the city today (Dec. 28) and experienced the hospitality of Borno, from Sinisir to Biski, Kunun gyada and lamb BBQ. 

 “Please share your good experiences of Maiduguri.’’   

Olatunde Bayode, a first time visitor stated on his twitter handle:  “I find the allure of the big city highly irresistible, I can see and savour a peaceful city and hospitable people.”