From Desmond Mgboh, Kano
Military personnel were Friday sighted on some major streets of Kano State as tension continues to rise in the capital following reports that some leading political parties had scheduled Saturday for their respective protest.
While a majority of the armed soldiers were driven on military mini – trucks, others patrolled alongside their colleagues on military painted motorcycles.
They drove past traffic on Zungeru Road, Airport Road and towards Club Road and surrounding general area at about 8.00 am in the morning.
A military source, when called on phone abou the development, told Saturday Sun that the soldiers were on “routine patrol” while adding it is nothing to worry about even as he added that they had always operated in the background in the maintenance of peace and security in the state.
Saturday Sun also observed a heavier deployment of police operatives to strategic locations in the metropolitan area.
A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa affirmed the security development, saying that, “Credible information at the Command’s disposal revealed that some groups of people claiming to be political party supporters of both NNPP and APC are using various media platforms and mobilizing people and planning to enter the streets on Saturday, 25th November 2023 to stage protest against the Kano State Governorship Appeal Court’s verdict”.
The police said that the information they received indicated that the protesters intended to shutdown the state, including attacking prominent political party opponents, actions which they stated were likely to cause violence
The police disclosed that they were yet to receive any formal notice from any political party about the plan to conduct any protest or gathering in the state,
They warned those behind the planned protest of severe consequences should they proceed with their intention outside the law, adding that anybody who intends to conduct a protest or procession should do so only in accordance with the provisions of the law.
They warned that the Joint Security agencies in the state have concluded all necessary arrangements to ensure the maintenance of the well-being and security of the people of the state.
“Hence, those planning to come out on the planned dates for the protest are advised to change their mindset, sheath their swords and cooperate with the police and other security agencies for the good of the state” the statement held.