Amid the ongoing unrest in Sokoto state, Kaduna state government has banned protests related to religious activity in the state.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Samuel Aruwan, the commissioner of internal security, said the ban became imperative “in view of moves by some unpatriotic elements to organise series of for-and-against protests related to a security development in one of the northern states”.
He stated;
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.
Aruwan said security agencies in the state would stop any attempt to disrupt the peace in the state, adding that violators would be prosecuted accordingly.
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He noted;
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, on 09034000060 and 08170189999.
The ban comes in the wake of a unrest in Sokoto state over the arrest of the suspected killers of Deborah Samuel, a female student of Shehu Shagari College of Education.
Background
Recall that the 200-level Home Economics student was stoned to death and burnt by a mob over alleged blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on Thursday.
Amid outrage by many Nigerians, the police in Sokoto said two suspects had been arrested and taken into custody.
Her killing has since sparked outrage and condemnation across the country, with Nigerians asking the government to fish out the perpetrators of the crime.
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Subsequently, the police command in Sokoto announced the arrest of two suspects in connection with the killing.
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However, some residents of Sokoto took to the streets to demand for the release of the suspects, claiming
The translated version of the notice of the protest which was written in hausa language read;
We are calling on Muslims in Sokoto State to gather where there was a riot to save brethren in Islam that are battling the faith of Islam and upholding the respect of prophet of Allah S.A.W.
During the violent protest, the religious extremists burnt down a Catholic Church and destroyed other properties.
Reacting, Governor of the state, Aminu Tambuwal ordered a 24-hour curfew in Sokoto metropolis just few hours after meeting with Muslim leaders in the state to discuss how to ensure the student’s murder does not elicit violent reprisals.
