The Zamfara government has held a high-level meeting with heads of security and paramilitary agencies to review the state’s security situation and devise proactive safety measures ahead of the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada, chaired the meeting in Gusau, the state capital.

During the strategic engagement, the security agencies briefed the state government on the proactive measures they are implementing to ensure the security and safety of Zamfara residents throughout the festive period.

The measures include massive deployment of about 1,474 police, civil defence corps, intelligence personnel, road safety officers and explosive ordnance disposal teams to handle bomb and explosive threats.

Addressing the security chiefs, the SSG said the meeting was convened at the instance of Governor Dauda Lawal to appraise the security trends in the state, and ascertain the level of preparations for the provision of adequate security before, during and after the Sallah celebrations.

Nakwada also urged the people to be security-conscious and support security agencies, emphasising that the security of lives and property is a collective responsibility that requires all hands on deck.

He further called on traditional and religious leaders, especially Chief Imams, to intensify their preaching that promotes unity and peaceful coexistence among the people.
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OWEVER, the Kano State government has suspended the Sallah Durbar, a traditional horse-ride festival, to prevent a breakdown of law and order during the celebration.

The suspension followed the release of guidelines for parallel Sallah Durbar by the 15th emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, from his Nasarawa mini palace. Although the 16th Emir of Kano, Dr Muhammadu Sanusi II, has yet to release details of the Kofar-Kudu Sallah Durbar.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Abdullahi Ibrahim Waiya, yesterday, the government said the decision was premised on credible intelligence indicating a possible security threat during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

The suspended Sallah Durbar includes ‘Hawan Daushe’, the colourful traditional horse possession at the emir palace; ‘Hawan Fanisau’ and ‘Hauwan Dorayi’, the emir’s horse ride possession to some parts of the city.

However, the government approved the modification of two activities, Hauwa Idi and Hauwan Nassarawa, that would be conducted by the 16th Emir of Kano, Sanusi II.

According to the approved arrangements, Sanusi II would conduct Hawan Idi, possession of the praying ground through designated routes to Gidan Shettima, terminating at Kofar Fatalwa of the Kano Emir’s palace

In the modified guidelines, the government also approved the hosting of the traditional homage (Hauwa Nasarawa), during which Sanusi would be received by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at Government House on the third day of Sallah.

The commissioner hinted that the government’s final position was the result of wide consultation with the Kano Emirate Council and other critical stakeholders.