On Friday, the Kano State Police Command issued a public alert concerning intelligence reports that suggest potential terrorist s targeting public gatherings in the state. However, the state government swiftly responded by denouncing this warning as a “fake alarm,” accusing the police of attempting to disrupt the annual National Tijjaniyya Maulud celebration.
The National Tijjaniyya Maulud, a significant religious event, is organized under the leadership of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II. The police, through a statement from the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, advised residents to steer clear of crowded places due to these threats. “We hereby urge residents to exercise caution and avoid crowded places and environments until further notice as a preventive measure to enable security operatives to identify and dislodge possible ers. Necessary security arrangements have been put in place,” Kiyawa stated.
In stark contrast, Com. Ibrahim Abdu Waiya, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, held a press conference at the Emir’s Palace in Kano to criticize the security alert. Waiya argued that there was no basis for such concerns, highlighting the event’s long-standing history of peace. “There has been no security threat in Kano State to justify this extreme action,” Waiya claimed. He further emphasized that the Maulud, which has been celebrated for 39 years without any incidents, represents a lawful and peaceful gathering, fundamental to the rights of assembly and religious practice.
Waiya’s statement also included a call to action, urging the Federal Government to intervene and have the police retract their security measures at the event venue. “This attempt to prevent a lawful and peaceful religious gathering is unacceptable and a breach of the fundamental right to freedom of assembly and religious practice. This religious activity is organized by a legitimate body recognized by law. We urge the Federal Government to ensure that the police vacate the venue. Kano has always been a beacon of peace and religious tolerance, and we will not allow any external force to disrupt this harmony,” he added.
This disagreement between the state government and the police force highlights a tension between security measures and the perceived rights to religious and cultural expression. It raises questions about the nature of the intelligence reports, the motivations behind the police alert, and how such actions might impact public trust and the conduct of traditional or religious events in Kano. The situation also underscores the delicate balance between ensuring public safety and respecting longstanding cultural practices.
Seems fishy, whos telling the truth here? State Government or Police? Need more transparency.
I find it hard to trust the governments dismissal of the terrorist threats. What if theyre downplaying a real danger? #StayVigilant
I cant believe the state government is dismissing the police warning as a false alarm. What if theres a real threat? 🤔
Can we ignore police warnings as false alarms? What if theres a real threat? Better safe than sorry!
Im not buying it! Why would the police issue a warning if there was no credible threat? Soing doesnt add up here.
I find it hard to believe the government dismissing the police warning as a false alarm. Who should we trust? #confused 🤔
Seems fishy, why would the state government dismiss a warning from the police? Soing doesnt add up here.