The Kano State Police Command has proffered its own side of the story on the recent clash between policemen from the command and members of the Shi’ite Movement in Nigeria during a religious procession.
The Command disclosed its own version of the clash a statement made available to The Dream Daily Newspapers in Kano by Kano Police Public Relations Officer, DSP. Magaji Musa Majia, on behalf of the state’s commissioner of police.
The statement reads: “The Kano State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that the press release issued by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) in Kano was baseless, mischievous and aimed at diverting the attention of the populace and gain cheap sympathy.
“ The Command had prior to the Sunday clash, summoned and warned their leaders not to initiate any form of trek or procession in Kano, on Friday 22nd September, 2017 at Police Headquarters Bompai Kano as it infringes the rights of others by blocking roads, thereby causing untoward hardship to other members of the public.
“Despite the Command’s warning and advise, the IMN defied and invited/gathered members from various States including Kano, Jigawa, Borno, Yobe, Gombe,Taraba, Bauchi and other neighbouring States for the procession along Zaria Road Kano where they were molesting motorists and pelting innocent members of the public with stones.
“The Command dispersed them by using minimum force, no live ammunition was used. 10 members of the group comprising of 5 male and 5 female suspects were so far arrested. While 8 catapults, stones, 1 poisonous Arrow, Red flag, copies of pamphlets, 3 mobile phones, shoes, wallet and a rosary were recovered. The suspects will soon be arraigned in Court for prosecution.
“The Police Command will continue to preserve the constitutionally reserved rights to religion but will not allow some miscreants to hide under the guise of religion and infringe or cause mischief to other citizens. Any attempt by the IMN (Shiites) to make Kano State hub of their illegal activities will be vehemently resisted by the Kano State Police Command. However normalcy had been restored, while intensive patrols and monitoring are on-going.”
Leave a Reply