October 1 National Protest: Kano Police Warns Against Violence

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Ahead of the nationwide protest march billed for 1st October, Nigeria’s Independence Day, Police authorities in Kano have warned that they will not condone any violent acts under any guise.

The Source reports that the #EndBadGovernance protest between August 1 to 10, had resulted in monumental violence, arson, looting and wanton destruction of both private and public properties in the commercial nerve centre of the Northern region.

Particularly, day one and two of the 10-day long national protest against hunger and bad governance saw Kano protesters visit untold violence and killings on the ancient city. A number of people were killed and properties worth billions of Naira either looted or destroyed.

Of note was the looting and vandalization of the signature project of the Federal Ministry of Digital Economy in Kano, the multi-billion Naira, NCC-ICT park a few weeks to its commissioning .

Some of the protesters in the ever volatile city equally added a ting of treasonable act following their open wielding and display of Russian National flag during the exercise.

Already, many arrested  hundreds of protesters are currently being prosecuted by the police in the State.

Similarly, the Kano State Government empowered Commission of inquiry is also presently carrying out an inquest into the the circumstances that precipitated the unprecedented violent nature of the #EndBadGovernance protest in the State.

Part of the terms of reference of the panel is to, also, fish out those behind the orgy of violence and killings during the exercise which was initially conceived to be peaceful for possible prosecution.

Addressing the Media on Monday at the Bompai Police headquarters on the Planned October 1 nationwide protest, the Command’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa CSP, cautioned residents against joining the protest train.

He warned that the Police in the State will not sit- by idly and watch the peace of the state once again disrupted.

“We have concluded all necessary arrangements to provide adequate security during and after the Independence day celebrations .

“We urge all residents to cooperate with the police and other security agencies while participating in the festivities responsibly ”

The police spokesman, however, informed that the Service is also ready to handle any possible security breach.

According to him, the Command has enhanced security arrangements at strategic locations, with a view to frustrating any potential acts of threat to the peace and order of the state.

He, therefore, advised residents to shun acts capable of compromising the fragile peace and security the State.