The Bauchi State government has warned against inciting statements during preaching especially among the clerics, saying such action could ignite crisis among the people of different faiths.
The Secretary to the Bauchi State Government, Barrister Ibrahim Kassim, disclosed the government’s position shortly after the State Security Council meeting in Bauchi Monday.
“We discussed the issue of religious preaching and counter preaching, as well as accusations among the clerics in the state. Government is very much concerned about it and has taken measures to contain the situation.
“As far as we are concerned, it is not the issue of ‘Akida’ or politics, but is about inciting statements that are bound to create divisions between our people,” he said.
The SSG further warned that the state government would not allow anybody either through actions or utterances to disrupt the peace the state is enjoying.
He explained that, “The state government is aware of its responsibilities, and its major responsibility is to provide the security of lives and property to its people.”
He described Bauchi as a multi-religious State where each and everyone has the right to practice his/her religion with nobody having the right to determine how one goes about his/her worshipping.
The council meeting also directed security agents to deal with hoodlums called Sara-Suka and individuals terrorising innocent persons especially in the state capital.
On the issue of Sara-Suka, the SSG noted that security operatives were directed to deal with the perpetrators in view of the incessant violent attacks being carried out by the notorious youths in most parts of the state capital
Also speaking, the State Commissioner of Police, Aminu Alhassan, said the Police and other security agencies would intensify operations in all nooks and crannies of the State to ensure adequate security of lives and property.
