Normalcy Returns To Kano

Twenty-four hours after the suicide attacks on Airtel and MTN telecom facilities in Kano State, human and vehicular traffic have increased in the city.

Major markets, namely Abubakar Rimi Market (Yankura) in Sabon Gari, Kantin Kwari Textile Market, Kofar Wambe Market and the Hajj Camp Market were brimming with residents making last- minute shopping for Christmas.

Business activities remain high. The banks and motor parks were also busy.

Travellers were seen in high numbers at the Sabon Gari New Road Luxury Park and Naibawa Motor Park booking for vehicles that would convey them to their different destinations.  Though some residents express apprehension over Sunday’s blast at Agangara in Badawa, otherwise known as Bendel Sport where local gins like Burukutu were being sold, the general feelings remain that with huge security presence, Christmas in Kano would be crisis-free.

Mrs. Obianuju Obi, a resident of Sabon Gari, a community predominantly inhabited by non-natives, said she was satisfied with security arrangment in the area, adding that with prayers, Kano will not experience havoc on Christmas.  “I believe that security agencies are doing their best to protect us here. They are everywhere and people are moving around without fear. We give thanks to the almighty God who has been answering our prayers and we have faith that He is always there to protect His children,” she said.

P.M.NEWS observed security presence at the motor parks and travellers were sighted with their tickets and luggage.

Chief Sunday Odum, the provost of New Road Luxury Park, where travellers from Kano and neighbouring northwest states board vehicles to the South, said the Park management was satisfied with the efforts and cooperation of security agencies.

A source from the Joint Security Task Force, JTF, told our correspondent this morning that there is water-tight security at all the borders within Kano.  “We have intelligence report of a group of criminals in neighbouring states planning to infiltrate Kano; and we are dealing decisively with the situation. Security is built up in all the border towns; and our men are continuously combing the flashpoints,” he added.

Kano State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim K. Idris also told P.M.NEWS this morning that more troops were deployed to ensure adequate protection of lives and property.

He said all the security agencies are working together under the aegis of the JTF to maintain peace and order during the Christmas and New Year.

According to him, security has been deployed at strategic locations, including places of worship, markets, motor parks, banks, schools, hospitals and other public utilities, infrastructures and offices.

He urged Kano residents to be security conscious and give maximum cooperation to security agencies, including the police and the JTF, adding that the use of knock-outs and other fireworks are prohibited. “Parents and guardians are strictly warned to stop their children from purchasing and using such items as anybody caught will be prosecuted in the court of law,” he added.

The Kano Police boss advised citizens to call the Command’s Control Room in case of emergency, adding that the Public Complain Bureau under the office of the Command’s Public Relations Department and National Human Right Desk are also accessible for complaints on human right violation by the Police.  He gave the phone numbers for the Control Room as 08032419754, 08123821575, 08099831808 and 064977005, while that of the Public Complain Bureau include 08066628450, 08031803555 and 08057959393.

Idris also urged the public to desist from offering bribes and gratification to officers and men on duty, noting that such act is an offence which both the giver and the taker are liable to prosecution.

—Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano