Nigeria Content Online

Last year when they
struck, members of the Boko Haram group spread their violence across
states such as Borno, Bauchi and Kano. Little wonder officials in those
states are skittish following last week’s resurgence of violence in
Bauchi by suspected members of the same group.

At the height of
the Boko Haram insurrection in 2009, the sect members ambushed
policemen at the Wudil Divisional headquarters and fought security
operatives in bloody encounters. No fewer than 25 members of the group,
whose cases are yet to be dispensed with, are still held at the Kano
Central Prison, not too far away from the city’s main praying ground,
the Kofar Mata eid praying ground.

Days before last
Friday’s Sallah celebration, there was noticeable heavy presence of
security officials, including detachment of the army, across Kano city.
On Thursday, this was reinforced, as about 15 trucks loaded with mobile
police were spotted moving around every nook and cranny of the city in
a show of force.

Heavily armed
military and mobile police took over Kano Central Mosque ahead of the
Eid el Fitr prayer session, held to mark the end of the Ramadan.
Movement of vehicles to the praying ground were restricted, just as
Muslim faithful were allowed entrance after they have been thoroughly
searched by the security men.

There was unusual
tight security around the governor, Ibrahim Shekarau, as stern looking
soldiers surrounded his official cars, with an armoured tank, during
his trip to the mosque for prayers from his Government House residence,
about three kilometres away.

At the end of the
prayers, the soldiers accompanied Mr Shekarau’s convoy to the
Government House, leaving many residents who were not used to this
bizarre style pondering what must have gone wrong on a day that should
be celebrated.

Security report

Top security
sources in the state who spoke on condition of anonymity said that the
heavy presence of the military is because of security reports on
possible attacks by the members of the Boko Haram. The source added
that the tight security is owing to fear that the members of the
dreaded sect could use the celebration day to attack the governor and
other targets.

However, the Sallah
day was celebrated peacefully, as Mr Shekarau joined thousands to offer
prayers and urged Kano residents to remain peaceful at all times. Mr
Shekarau said that this year’s Sallah festivities called for double
sober reflections and appreciation, as it coincides with the 50th
anniversary of our country’s nationhood.

He added that his
government was working to ensure that security of lives and property is
respected in the state and called on the people to go about their
duties without fear.

The emir of Kano,
Ado Bayero, expressed gratitude to Allah for bringing an end to
religious and sectional crises in the state. “We hope that the peaceful
development has come to stay,” he said, calling on all in the state to
continue to cooperate with security agents for the maintenance of peace
and stability.

He also called on
the people of the state not to take for granted the recent successes
recorded in the fight against polio, and maintain vigilance at all
times. He cautioned residents to take all preventive measures to check
the spread of cholera, which is currently ravaging neighboring states.

A senior special adviser to Mr Shakarau, Sule Yau Sule, said the heavy security in the state was proactive.

“After the security council meeting yesterday, the Bauchi State case
was reviewed and that is why there is heavy presence of security in
Kano to ward off any threat,” he said.