By Suzan Edeh
Bauchi—Banks and other financial institutions in Azare, Bauchi State, have closed down following the bombing of two new generational banks, and three police stations by gunmen suspected to be members of Boko Haram, last weekend.

The Zonal Area Command headquarters was one of the police stations attacked.

Vanguard investigations, yesterday, revealed that the incident has seriously affected commercial activities as other banks and financial institutions which were not affected stopped attending to customers.

The gunmen had invaded Azare town and thrown explosives at the Mobile Police Barracks, the Police Area Commander’s office and the Divisional Police Headquarters.

Two new generation banks and the residence of a robbers’ hunter, Ali Kwara, were also bombed.

Azare Local Government Information Officer, Mr. Bashir Chenede told Vanguard: “The remaining financial institutions that were not affected by the Saturday’s incident have closed down in solidarity with the affected banks.’’

Chenede, however, said security operatives had been patrolling Azare town and environs while curfew had been imposed on the town from 8pm to 6am.

However, despite the heavy security presence, most residents stayed indoors to avoid any encounter with the soldiers and policemen.

Chenede added: “A dusk-to-dawn curfew has been imposed on Azare town and other surrounding villages following the incident.”