The police commissioner spoke to journalists yesterday in Minna shortly after a muffled stampede in the busy central market area of Mobil Roundabout in Minna area as a result of a purported text message alleging that a group of people will attack Christians after the Friday prayers.
While confirming that the state is under tension of possible religious violence, the CP said the command is on top of the situation as he dismissed the text message as an action of mischievous persons, but was quick to say action had to be promptly taken as residents were already in fear.
“There is widespread rumour in the state that a text message on a possible carnage was being circulated that after the Friday prayers, Christians would be attacked. But these are just rumours and we do not have any facts to substantiate them, but the text message has already caused panic in the people and we must act fast,” he said.
He confirmed that several truckloads of policemen have been dispatched on 24-hour surveillance across the state to check any form of violence before a spillage that would degenerate into mayhem.
“Niger State is on red alert and security operatives have been despatched to go on patrol around enclaves believed to be trouble spots as we have security reports that some people have concluded plans to cause problems after the Friday prayers.
“The massive movement of men of the police is to tell the people of the state that there is no cause for alarm and to also sound a note of warning to troublemakers that they do not stand a chance if they want to cause civil disturbance”, he said.
He urged the people of the state to go about their normal businesses, as he maintained that the police will act promptly to any form of security breach. He also advised the general public to help with useful information that will help to sustain peace in the state.
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