Kano police warn troublemakers ahead of local festival

The Kano State Police Command has taken concrete security measures to deal decisively with any person or group of people who plan to take advantage of the indigenous Tashe culture to perpetuate insecurity during the last part of Ramadan.

Tashe is a Hausa traditional dramatic entertainment that is popular during the month of Ramadan, which usually starts on the 10th.

Some youths take advantage of the Tashe culture to unleash mayhem on residents.

The state Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel, handed down the warning while addressing a news conference at the Bompai Command’s headquarters on Monday.

He said as part of the measures taken, the command has increased surveillance and patrols in the identified areas where youths tend to exploit Tashe culture to promote nefarious activities.

According to him, Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical and Operational Commanders have been directed to identify and reach out to prominent people, including the youths that organise the events, and to shine the necessary searchlight against any form of potential violence in the state.

He said, “Additionally, the command’s intelligence units have increased vigilance for collecting and putting into action relevant information to preempt likely emerging security threats.

“These proactive approaches are to allow the Police Command to adequately and swiftly respond to all early warning signs of potential insecurity and maintain peace and order during and after the Ramadan period.

He said the command has invited some community leaders, religious authorities, and influential youth leaders and discussed with them how best to tackle the issue.

“We are pretty sure that this meeting outcome will promote awareness of the negative consequences of engaging in activities that undermine public safety.

“By fostering dialogue and promoting cooperation with these stakeholders, the police command can adequately prevent incidents of insecurity and encourage positive behaviour among the youth.

“The police command is fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of all Kano residents throughout the month of Ramadan. Members of the public are urged to use this session to pray for the continuous peace, tranquilly, and economic development of the state and the nation.

“The security arrangements put in place by the command during this sacred month of Ramadan are meant to show our determination to ensure that the safety and security of all residents during this period of high religious observance remain our priority.”

While calling for cooperation, support, and understanding from members of the public, the commissioner further called for more vigilance and prompt reporting of all suspicious activities to security agencies for a timely response.