Military Turns Parents Away From Abuja Wonderland-Leadership

Families who came for fun at Wonderland Amusement Park in Abuja yesterday, left disappointed as they were turned back by about 20 military men who took over the area.

When LEADERSHIP SUNDAY visited the amusement park, hordes of families who thronged the facility were denied entry into the arena.

One of parents who brought his kids to the amusement park, expressed disappointment over the sealing off of the park. According to him, “today is my son’s birthday and we planned to celebrate it here and as you can see the place is sealed off and the little boy is really disappointed. We just have to find an alternative.”

Another parent, HajiaBinta Bello, who brought her children to the park and was turned back by the military officers, also expressed displeasure. “I am really disappointed, today is Saturday and this is the only day I have to spend time with my kids, it a pity that they will miss the fun they would have had here. I hope them army officers leave.”

One of the military officers confirmed to LEADERSHIP SUNDAY that the amusement park was sealed off two days ago, adding that no one is permitted to enter the premises.

It was learnt that men of the Department of State Services (DSS) had raided the Abuja home and business concerns of the owners of the popular Amigo Stores and Abuja Wonderland.

The action may not be unconnected with last Wednesday discovery of a large cache of arms in a building in Kano State, which is linked to the owners of the park.

When LEADERSHIP SUNDAY visited the Wonderland Amusement Park at the city centre there was heavy presence of SSS operatives who put the children recreation centre under lock.

A similar scenario was also noticed at the Wuse 2 Amigo Stores. Security operatives in the building ensured thatthat prospective patronsdid not enter the store.

When LEADERSHIP contacted the spokesman of the SSS, Ms Marilyn Ogar, she confirmed the shutdown of both business premises, saying that investigation on the activities of the owners was on going and the service could not afford to jeopardise the process.

“On Thursday the Joint Task Force JTF in Kano State briefed the press about their finding during an operation. It was discovered that the owners of Amigo Stores and Wonderland were indicted. As part of our process and in the course of investigation, the places need to be shut down because we cannot afford to keep both places running,” she said.