The Kaduna State Government has banned all forms of religious protests throughout the state.
The State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said in a statement that consultation with the State Security Council preceded the immediate implementation of the ban.
He explained that the prohibition of all forms of religious protests has become necessary in light of unpatriotic elements’ plans to organise a series of pro-and-contra protests in response to a recent security development in another northern state.
Protests rocked Sokoto city on Saturday over the detention of two persons linked to the gruesome killing of Deborah Samuel.
Deborah, a student of the Shehu Shagari College of Education, was lynched and burnt by a mob on Thursday over allegations of blasphemy.
President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the killing.
According to Aruwan’s Saturday statement, Governor Nasir El-Rufai who has been briefed of the development, has charged security agencies to ensure strict enforcement of the ban on religious protests.
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.
“Security agencies have thus resolved that any attempt by individuals or groups to disrupt the peace and stability of the State, by way of religious protests, will not be condoned. Such protests will be promptly halted, and conveners prosecuted,” the statement said.
“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”.