Tension in Kaduna as El-Rufai bans religious protests

Kaduna State government has banned religious protests throughout the State with immediate effect.

Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs Samuel Aruwan in a statement on Saturday said the ban was put in place in consultation with security agencies under the umbrella of the Kaduna State Security Council.

Protests have rocked Sokoto State by Muslim youths following the arrest of some students after the murder of Deborah Yakubu, a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education on allegation of blasphemy.

Aruwan said the state government is in possession of security report of plans to stage protests over the development in Sokoto State.

He 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. 

“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. 

“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.

“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. 

“Citizens are implored 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.”