Blockade of religious gathering venue: Police, Kano govt face-off

Tension is brewing up in the ancient city of Kano as the State government and Police disagreed over blockade of the Kofar Mata stadium, venue for the hosting of the annual religious gathering – National Tijjaniyya Maulid in the state.

While the Police issued a security alert to residents to avoid large crowd citing suspected terrorist attack, the state government said the gathering doesn’t pose any security threat and insisted that the gathering will hold as expected.

The Police, in a statement issued by the spokesperson, SP Abdullahi Haruna, said, “The Kano State Police Command in liaison with other security agencies have received intelligence reports of suspected terrorists planning to launch attacks on public gatherings in strategic locations within Kano State.

“In response, we hereby urge residents to exercise caution and avoid crowded places and environments until further notice as a preventive measure to enable security operatives identify and dislodge possible attackers.

“To ensure a peaceful Kano State, necessary security arrangements have been put in place.

“A team of experts from the Command’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear units have been deployed to strategic locations and are on high alert.

“The Unit can be contacted through dedicated numbers for report of suspicious persons or item(s).

“We encourage residents to report any emergency or suspicious activity to the nearest Police Station or contact the Kano State Police Command through the emergency numbers.

“Your vigilance and cooperation are crucial in ensuring public safety.

“The Kano State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and properties as well as maintaining law and order in Kano State.

“We appreciate the support and cooperation of the good people of Kano State and urge everyone to remain vigilant,” the statement reads.

Govt fumes
In a swift reaction, the State’s Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Waiya, while addressing newsmen on behalf of the state government, said the blockade of the venue designated for the highly significant religious event is not only unnecessary but also unjustified, as there has been no report of any security threat in the State, that would warrant such an extreme measure.

According to him, “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 January 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 encroachment 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.

“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.”