Kano State governor, Abba Yusuf, has banned public gatherings intended for protest in the state.

This is contained in a statement by his director-general of media and publicity, Sanusi Tofa, on Wednesday in Kano.

He also directed the police, State Security Services and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to apprehend, detain and prosecute any individual or group violating the order.

He stated, “This decisive action is a pre-emptive strategy aimed at averting any potential breakdown of law and order orchestrated by adversaries of the state. We are privy to credible intelligence indicating that certain prominent figures from the opposition party in Kano have devised plans to sponsor student associations and political agitators from other northwestern states. Their plan is to incite chaos under the guise of advocating for the dethroned Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.’’

He said that the state government had outlawed protests, demonstrations, or processions of any kind.

Mr Yusuf said that individuals found on the streets of Kano engaging in such activities would be promptly arrested.

“Through this declaration, we caution student groups against being manipulated by troublemakers who are resolute in fomenting disorder in Kano,” he said.

The governor urged residents of the state to carry on with their normal activities as the state retains its serenity

He said that the government would persist in vigilant oversight of the situation to address any individuals or factions trying to undermine the relative peace the state currently enjoys.

(NAN)