Boko Haram: Police Ban Sallah Celebration

This would not be a good news to those  who were preparing to celebrate the end of Ramadan fast tomorrow Friday July 17  in Kaduna state as the state Police Command has placed ban on all forms of social activities at parks, events  and recreation centres.

This ban is coming on the heel of a security alert by the state security outfit, code-named ‘Operation Yaki’ that the state might come under attacked on Sallah day by terror group, known as ‘Surasuka’ or ‘Masushara’, The Punch reports.

Col Yakubu Yusuf(retd.), the coordinator of the outfit,  said security operatives had been placed on a high alert, but cautioned residents to be vigilant during the period.

He warned residents against accommodating or harbouring strange fellows as the Boko Haram terror group had changed their tactics of attacks.

This revelation was made by the state commissioner of police, Umar Shehu,  while speaking to newsmen in Kaduna saying places where fun seekers normally gathered for relaxation in the state like  Gamji Gate Amusement Park, Galaxy Park and others would be closed down during the celebration.

Shehu said: “Praying in Eid Ground is a sign of ending the Ramadan and after the prayer, it is expected that everybody returns back to his house.

“We have banned all social gathering and all operators of such centers have been instructed to lock up the venue because of the present security situation in the country and anybody who violates the order, will be arrested.

“The state command also wishes to inform the residents that operation order/strategies to checkmate activities of criminal have been put in place.

“The command has deployed both conventional and mobile policemen as well as undercover operatives to man and monitor vulnerable points with a view to ensuring tight security across the state.

“The command urges parents/guardians to be vigilant, monitor and warn their children/wards and not allow them to be used by mischief makers.

“More so, use of okada/street begging and hawking are still in force, all in the bid to ensure that Kaduna residents have a crime and violence free Eid-El Fitr celebration.”

The Emir of Zazzau, who is also the Chairman of Kaduna State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Shehu Idris, has also cancelled the traditional Durbar that’s usually held after the Sallah prayers.