The Kaduna State Government, in consultation with security agencies under the umbrella of the Kaduna State Security Council, has placed an immediate ban on all forms of religious protests in the state.

This is contained in a statement on Saturday by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, in Kaduna.

The statement said the prohibition became imperative due to moves by some unpatriotic elements to organise a series of for-and-against protests related to a security development in one of the Northern states.

Muslim fanatics had on Thursday gruesomely murdered Deborah Samuel, a female Christian student, of the Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, for yet unproven allegation of blasphemy against Islam’s prophet Mohammad.

Other Islamic extremists protesting the arrests of some of the killers had taken to the streets of Sokoto demanding for the release of the killers, forcing the state government to declare state-wide curfew as the rampaging fanatics destroyed properties on the go.

Mr Aruwan stated that Governor El-Rufai, who has been briefed on the development, has charged security agencies to ensure strict enforcement of the ban in the state.

He explained that the governor also charged religious and community leaders as well as traditional rulers throughout the state to complement the efforts of government and security agencies to maintain peace and stability.

“Security agencies have thus resolved that any attempt by individuals or groups to disrupt the peace and stability of the state, by way of religious protests, will not be condoned. Such protests will be promptly halted, and conveners prosecuted.

“Citizens are implored to remain calm as they go about their lawful pursuits, and to immediately report any such activity or security concern to the Kaduna State Security Operations Room, on 09034000060 and 08170189999,” he said.

(NAN)