Following a statement issued by the Kano State Police Command cautioning against all public gatherings in the state over intelligence report about planne terrorist attack in the State, the Kano State government has dismissed the claims, saying it was not aware of that such intelligence report.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, at an emergency press conference that took place on Friday evening at the Emir’s Palace in Kano.
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The Commissioner explained that the Tijjaniyya Sufi Order was having a national gathering in Kano, which is the 39th of such annual gathering, to take place at the Kofar Mata Stadium when adherents saw the place already taken over by security agents.
He said the development was followed by a statement issued by the State Police Command banning any form of public gathering in anticipation of a possible terrorist attack.
He dismissed the blockade of the venue of the religious gathering as uncalled for and a violation of the rights of the religious organization, with people coming from all over the country, being hosted by the Kano State government.
“I welcome you all to this press briefing and extend our heartfelt appreciation to our esteemed guests from across, Nigeria and beyond who have traveled to Kano to attend the National Tijjaniyya Maulud in Kano State, being a historical center of Islamic scholarship and religious harmony,l. We remain committed to upholding and supporting religious activities that promote peace, unity, and spiritual growth.
“It has, however, come to our attention with great concern that, security agencies have blocked the venue designated for this highly significant religious event. This action is not only unnecessary but also unjustified, as there has been no report of any security threat in Kano State, that would warrant such an extreme measure. The Kano State Government has not issued any complaints regarding insecurity, and we find the presence of security operatives at the venue of this significant religious activity unwarranted and unacceptable.
“I wish to categorically state that the National Tijjaniyya Maulud will hold as scheduled that is tomorrow, Saturday 25th Jan. 2025 from 8:00 and at Kofar Mata Stadium, as earlier planned. This religious activity which has been on for the last 39 years, shall not be allowed to be obstructed, as the organization that organizes the annual event, is a body which is legitimately registered and recognized . Therefore any attempt to obstruct the process of organizing a lawful gathering like this, is not only an encrochment on the citizens right of lawful assembly, but also a fundamental breach of right to religious practice in Nigeria. We call on all our guests from various States and all Mohammadawa to remain peaceful and steadfast in their commitment to observing this annual religious gathering,” the Commissioner stated.
He further called on the federal government to withdraw the security agents and allow peace to reign as the event will hold as scheduled.
“Furthermore, we urge the Federal Government to immediately withdraw its security agencies from the venue and allow the event to proceed without hindrance. Kofar Mata Stadium is a property of Kano State Government, and there is no justification for any external force to obstruct a legitimate religious gathering.
“Kano State has always been a beacon of peace and religious tolerance, and we will not accept any form of intimidation or undue interference in our internal affairs. We remain resolute in ensuring that the rights of our people to religious freedom and peaceful assembly are respected,” he stated.
