Kano State Police Command, on Friday, raised an alarm over intelligence reports suggesting potential terrorists’ attacks on public gatherings in the state.
Meanwhile, in a swift response, the State Government countered the report, describing it as a fake alarm.
It accused the Nigeria Police of raising a false alarm in the state to disrupt the annual National Tijjaniyya Maulud.
The Tijjaniyya Maulud is being organized under the leadership of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.
A statement by the police had warned residents to avoid crowded places.
The statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said the intelligence report showed that terrorists might hit some strategic locations in the state.
“We hereby urge residents to exercise caution and avoid crowded places and environments until further notice as a preventive measure to enable security operatives to identify and dislodge possible attackers.
“Necessary security arrangements have been put in place,” Kiyawa added.
But the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Com. Ibrahim Abdu Waiya, who addressed the press at the Emir’s Palace in Kano, condemned the actions of the security agencies, describing them as unnecessary and unjustified.
“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.
