By John Shiklam in Kaduna
The Kaduna state government has banned religious protest across the state.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan announced the ban in a statement on Saturday in Kaduna.
The ban is coming on the heels of the killing of Deborah Emmanuel, a 200 Level student of the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto by Islamic fanatics over alleged blasphemy.Aruwan said, “the Kaduna State Government, in consultation with security agencies under the umbrella of the Kaduna State Security Council, has placed a ban on protests related to religious activity throughout the State with immediate effect.”
The statement said, “This prohibition becomes imperative in view of moves by some unpatriotic elements to organize series of for-and-against protests related to a security development in one of the Northern Nigerian States.
According to him, “Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai who has been briefed of the development, has charged security agencies to ensure strict enforcement of this ban against any form of religious protest in the State.”
Aruwan said, “The Governor also charged religious leaders, community leaders and traditional rulers throughout the State to complement the efforts of government and security agencies towards the maintenance of peace and stability.”
He said, “Security agencies have thus resolved that any attempt by individuals or groups to disrupt the peace and stability of the State, by way of religious protests, will not be condoned. Such protests will be promptly halted, and conveners prosecuted.”
The statement urged citizens of the state to remain calm as they go about their lawful pursuits and to immediately report any such activity or security concern to the Kaduna State Security Operations Room, on 09034000060 and 08170189999.
