The Kaduna State Government has banned any form of procession and what it calls ‘unlawful assemblies’ in a bid to control activities of members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, IMN, also known as Shi’ites.
The police had earlier warned members of the Islamic sect against all form of procession in the state.
However, the ban by the state government follows strident protests by the group, which culminated to its being labelled an insurgent group, an action that the sect has vehemently rejected.
The state government issued a strong warning yesterday, saying that anyone who breached the ban would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The ban was contained in a statement by the governor El-Rufia’s Spokesman, Samuel Aruwan.
The statement said, “No processions will be allowed for now in Kaduna State.
“A meeting of heads of security agencies in the state was convened to review the security situation in the state. Based on assessments of security reports, the meeting recommended that the Kaduna State Government should impose a temporary restriction on processions and act sternly against unlawful assembly.
“The government has endorsed the recommendation and has decided to restrict processions accordingly, said a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Samuel Aruwan.
“The decision was taken in the interest of the citizenry and to ensure law and order in the state.
“Security agencies have been mandated to ensure compliance to the ban. All citizens are advised to go about their lawful activities, and to do their utmost to uphold peace and harmony.”
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