The Kano State Government has accused the police of attempting to obstruct the National Tijjaniyya Maulud, an annual religious event that has been held for 39 years.
Addressing journalists at the Emir’s Palace on Friday evening, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, dismissed the earlier alarm raised by the Kano State Police Command about a possible terrorist attack on public gatherings.
First News had reported that the police claimed to have received intelligence suggesting that suspected terrorists were planning attacks on strategic locations in the state.
Reacting, Waiya alleged that the police unfairly blocked the venue of the Maulud, held at Kofar Mata Stadium, describing the action as unnecessary and baseless.
“Kano State, as a historical center of Islamic scholarship and religious harmony, remains committed to upholding and supporting activities that promote peace, unity, and spiritual growth,” he said.
“This action is not only unnecessary but also unjustified, as there has been no report of any security threat in Kano State that would warrant such an extreme measure. The presence of security operatives at the venue of this significant religious activity is unwarranted and unacceptable.”
Despite the police’s actions, Waiya assured the public that the event would proceed as scheduled.
“The National Tijjaniyya Maulud will hold as planned from 8:00 AM at Kofar Mata Stadium. This religious gathering is organized by a legitimately registered and recognized body, and any attempt to obstruct it would be a violation of the citizens’ right to lawful assembly and religious practice in Nigeria,” he declared.
Waiya also urged the Federal Government to withdraw its security operatives from the venue immediately, emphasizing that Kofar Mata Stadium is a property of the Kano State Government.
“There is no justification for any external force to obstruct a legitimate religious gathering. Kano State has always been a beacon of peace and religious tolerance, and we will not accept any form of intimidation or undue interference in our internal affairs,” he added.
The National Tijjaniyya Maulud is expected to attract thousands of participants, and the Kano State Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the event’s success and peaceful conduct.