The Kano State Police Command has stated that it has uncovered a game plan by some political groups planning to embark on a mass protest designed to breach the peace and cause the destruction of lives and properties in the state.
Similar intelligence reports revealed that these faceless people are trying to use some media outlets to send negative and poisonous messages against the police and other security agencies involved in the ongoing peace efforts. The command revealed this during a press conference.
The command, however, mentioned that the trader associations had dissociated themselves from any plan to stage a protest on the lingering political logjam facing the state.
Making this known on Monday, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Mohammed Gumel, said, “The attention of the police command has been drawn to a planned protest by some faceless political groups who are currently hiding under the guise of different lawful associations, one of which is the Kano Traders’ Association.”
He then stated that the seven people arrested by the police during an illegal protest would be arraigned before a court of law.
Gumel further disclosed, “Already, the leadership of the Kantin Kwari, Sabongari, K/Wambai, Singer, and some other market traders’ associations within the metropolis have informed the Police Command of their resolve on the planned protest.”
Gumel added, “On this, the combined traders’ association disassociated themselves from such an unpatriotic plan and made their position clear that they are not part of the ongoing political development in any way. They also reiterated that they neither have the intention to organise such a protest nor close their shops today, Monday, November 27, 2023.”
He recalled that on Sunday, November 26, some members of these faceless groups, with unclear political identity, had gathered themselves at different locations in Ungoggo, Kusa, and Bebeji Local Government Areas, pretending to be holding “special prayers.”
“Please let them be aware that we are following up on every inch of their activities and already aware that overtly such gathering was not intended for special prayers but with the intention to promote a breach of the peace and to bring untold hardship on the peace-loving people of the state.”
Gumel added, “Already, the leadership of the Police Command is in touch with the leadership of the NNPP and the APC, adding that both have reassured us that they stand on the already signed Peace Accord. They also told us that their political parties will dissociate with any person or group of persons who are planning to cause trouble in the state, the protest or unguided statements that are capable of causing chaos.”
“On this note, let me assure the good citizens of Kano state that the security of their lives and property remains our paramount goal. They should remain calm and move about with their lawful business without fear. Currently, we have mapped out strategies on how to deal with any such plan for restiveness in the State.”
“The Police command is, by this press briefing, warning anyone or persons found engaging in activities that are capable of breaching the peaceful atmosphere enjoyed in the state. This category of people is advised to desist from doing so; the Police will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute them.” TRIBUNE
