Eid-el-Fitr: Heavy security presence in Kano

Security operatives on patrol
| credits: beegeagle.wordpress.com

There was heavy security presence in Kano on Friday following the fear of an impending terror attack during the Eid-el-Fitri.

The fear is occasioned by the alleged threat by members of the Islamic religious group, Boko Haram, to disrupt the celebration in the state.  

SATURDAY PUNCH recalled that the Director of State Security Service in the state, Mr. Bassey Eteng, had, while briefing journalists, claimed the discovery of a bomb factory in a Kano suburb, Tundun Bayero in Gadan Tambarawa.  

He added that the sect members arrested in the raid confessed to have planned to launch an attack in the state on Sallah Day.

About nine of them were arrested that day with three nabbed the previous Thursday, who led the security operatives to their Tundun Bayero bomb factory.  

Meanwhile, our correspondent on Friday observed long convoys of security patrol vans and personnel in many parts of the metropolis, particularly in flashpoints and busy streets.

Many of the vehicles were carrying combined teams of riot police and army operatives.  

They were patrolling the major streets in the metropolis to ensure a peaceful Sallah celebration.

Specifically, the security operatives were seen along the Airport Road, Zaria Road, Murtala Muhammed Way, as well as on Burma Road and Zungeru Road in Sabongari area of Fagge Local Government Area, among other places.  

A security source, who craved anonymity because he was not authorised to speak officially on the matter, said the heavy security presence was to assure the residents of the state of their readiness to protect them and their property during the festive period.  

Our correspondent  observed that some soldiers, mainly in camouflage, moved round the nooks and crannies of the state to assure the people that they were on ground to ensure a hitch free celebration.  

The state police command also beefed up security, particularly in places of worship and black spots spread across the metropolis.

The command, in collaboration with other security agents, issued security tips to the public on how to ensure a crime-free celebration.  

The police advised all Muslim faithful and worshippers to go to their places of worship with only their praying mats during the Eid prayers.  

Motorists were warned against reckless and dangerous driving, as well as to obey traffic rules.  

Our correspondent observed heavy police presence at all government establishments in the metropolis.  

The command, as part of measures to ensure a hitch-free celebration in the state, advised parents and guardians not to allow their underage children and wards to have access to their vehicles.

It advised them to ensure that elderly persons accompanied their children before, during and after the celebration, so as to avoid cases of missing children, which is rampant during such celebrations.