Eid-el-Fitr: Police warn clerics to shun inciting, seditious messages in Sokoto

By Muhammad Nasir Bello

The Police Command in Sokoto State has warned Islamic clerics in the state to shun inciting and seditious preaching during the Eid-el-Fitr prayers.

Mr Ibrahim Kaoje, the Police Commissioner in the state, gave the warning in a statement issued on Friday in Sokoto by the Public Relation Officer (PPRO), ASP Muhammad Sadiq.

Kaoje noted that the mosques were not campaign venues for political parties, especially now that the country was fighting against coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Political statements, slogans and gatherings will not be accepted at the praying grounds,” he said.

He also assured members of the public of the preparedness of the force to adequately secure lives and property before, during and after the celebration.

He stated: “Policemen from all departments have been deployed to strategic points in Sokoto metropolitan area, while adequate provision has also been made to secure other parts of the state.

“Moreover, criminals are advised to avoid Sokoto State completely as the command has deployed full combat-ready police officers to operate within the ambits of the law to keep the state free of crime and criminality.”

The commissioner further congratulated Muslim faithful in the state on the successful observance of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

He appealed to the general public to comply with all safety measures aimed at the containment of COVID-19.

Kaoje also urged the people of the state to report any suspicious movements in their area to the police through the following phone numbers: 07019699968 and 09035631874.