The Kano state government has slammed the State Police Command for issuing a public warning about possible terrorist threats in the state, cautioning residents to avoid crowded places.
The police, through a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, on Friday announced they had received intelligence suggesting that terrorists might target key locations in the state.
The statement advised residents to avoid large gatherings, adding that preventive measures were in place to address any potential threat.
However, the Kano State Government has criticized the police for the warning.
The Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdu Waiya, said the warning was unnecessary and aimed at disrupting the ongoing National Tijjaniyya Maulud, a religious gathering organized by the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.
“There has been no security threat in Kano State to justify this extreme action,” Waiya stated.
“The National Tijjaniyya Maulud has been held for 39 consecutive years without incident. 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,” Waiya added.
