*Bans unverified processions
From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
The Kaduna State Security Council under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani has warned that criminals masquerading as protesters will not be permitted to wreak havoc in the state.
This was contained in a statement by the Overseeing Commissioner, the State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, and made available to the media in Kaduna today.
The statement said that based on Security review in the state, the Council hereby announces that criminal elements disguised as protesters, with the intent to generate unrest in the state, will not be spared.
The statement added that the
Security Council recognizes the fundamental rights of citizens to freedom of expression, lawful assembly, and other constitutional rights enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as amended.
“Nevertheless, the security forces cannot permit a situation wherein criminals masquerade as protesters to loot and vandalize public and private properties and unleash terror on innocent citizens, as experienced on the 1st and 5th of August 2024.
“Processions not verified and cleared by security agencies therefore remain prohibited in light of the public security considerations highlighted.
“The ugly events of 1st and 5th August 2024 are clear indicators that criminals are pursuing an agenda to plunge the state into chaos, and are ready to camouflage these designs with otherwise genuine protests.
“Available intelligence from the reviewed period also shows the grim focus of these forces in herding children and impressionable individuals into their dark schemes.
“The consequences of these plans, if allowed to flourish, are better imagined.
“The Kaduna State Government and security forces will not stand by and allow an anti-state agenda to run unchecked. It bears reiterating that criminals masquerading as protesters will not be permitted to wreak havoc.
“Finally, citizens are enjoined to continue to observe the 6 pm to 8 am curfew and report any incendiary activity to the Security Operations Room on 0903 400 0060
0817 018 9999” the statement reads
