The Kano State Police Command has backed down from its earlier decision to block the National Tijjaniyya Maulud, following a strong objection from the Kano State Government. The Maulud, an annual religious event held at the Sani Abacha Stadium, is scheduled to take place today despite the initial security concerns raised by the police.
The police had issued a warning based on intelligence suggesting that terrorists might target public gatherings in key areas across the state. Consequently, officers were deployed to the venue to monitor the situation.
However, the Kano State Government swiftly condemned the police’s actions, accusing them of attempting to disrupt an event that has been held peacefully for 39 years. Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, criticized the move, calling it “unnecessary” and “unjustified.”
He further urged the Federal Government to ensure the police withdrawal and allow the event to go ahead without interference.
In response, the Police Command spokesperson, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, reassured the public on Saturday morning through a Facebook post, emphasizing that the police’s intention was to maintain security and order during the event.
He also issued a warning regarding potential criminal activities, including individuals trying to set up phone charging stations near the venue to steal phones.
“Be cautious of people who may set up phone charging stations with the intention of stealing mobile devices,” Kiyawa said in the post.
Despite the standoff, the National Tijjaniyya Maulud is moving forward as planned, with massive crowd already converging at the venue.
