Governor Yusuf
The Kano State Government has rejected a security alert issued by the state police command, declaring that the National Tijjaniyya Maulud will proceed as planned despite warnings of a potential terrorist attack on public gatherings.
The Police Command in the state had earlier raised a public alert, citing intelligence reports about suspected terrorists targeting key locations in the state.
However, the state government dismissed the warning, accusing federal security agencies of attempting to disrupt the long-standing religious event.
Addressing journalists at the Emir’s Palace on Friday evening, the State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, reassured the public that the Maulud would hold as scheduled at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Kofar Mata Stadium.
“This religious gathering is organized by a legitimately registered and recognized body, and any attempt to obstruct it would amount to a violation of the citizens’ right to lawful assembly and religious practice in Nigeria,” Waiya stated.
He condemned the presence of security operatives at the event venue, describing it as an unwarranted and unnecessary action.
According to Waiya, the National Tijjaniyya Maulud has been held annually for over 39 years without incident.
“There has been no report of any security threat in Kano State that justifies such extreme measures. The actions of security agencies in blocking the venue are unjustified and unacceptable,” he said.
Waiya reaffirmed the state’s commitment to ensuring the peaceful conduct of the Maulud, emphasizing Kano’s historical role as a center of Islamic scholarship and religious harmony.
“Kano State remains committed to upholding activities that promote peace, unity, and spiritual growth. The Federal Government must withdraw its security agencies from the venue immediately, as Kofar Mata Stadium is a property of the Kano State Government, and there is no justification for any external force to obstruct a legitimate religious gathering,” he said.
The commissioner called on participants to remain calm, law-abiding, and focused on the peaceful observance of the Maulud.
“Kano State has always been a beacon of peace and religious tolerance, and we will not accept any form of intimidation or interference in our internal affairs,” Waiya warned.
He assured attendees of the state government’s commitment to the event’s success and urged all guests to cooperate fully with local authorities to maintain order during the gathering.
