Protest planned: Kano traders set up ‘special guards’ to prevent looting

A group, the Nigeria Elders Patriots Forum, has called on the organisers of the planned nationwide protest to suspend the exercise and embrace dialogue.

The call comes as the Kano business community has set up an emergency team to ensure security at markets and business venues during the planned nationwide protest.

At a stakeholders meeting with market leaders in Kano on Saturday, the National President of the Ancient Patriots, Dr. Bature AbdulAziz, and the Head of the Kano Business Community, Alhaji Sabi’u Bako, stressed the need to take proactive measures to prevent looting.

AbdulAziz noted that protests do not always produce the desired results, noting that most of the time they plunge nations into catastrophe and uncertainty.

He said it was necessary for the government and the protest organisers to engage in discussions to address their concerns.

During the meeting, a 20-member committee was inaugurated to coordinate the operations of the market’s emergency security team.

Speaking at the meeting, Alhaji Balarabe Tatari, Chairman, Kantin Kwari Market Traders Association, urged the youths to desist from engaging in acts that could disrupt the peaceful atmosphere in Kano State.

Tatari stressed that the reports circulating indicate that the demonstration will take place peacefully.

He, however, noted: “It is incumbent upon us to take adequate measures to protect Kano as a commercial centre.”

“We are aware that in such cases, bad elements usually enter and transform things into something else by looting and destroying properties.

“I appeal to the youth to bear in mind that Kano is their home and any attempt to make it habitable would lead to unforeseen circumstances.

“Kano is our state and we must work together to ensure that whatever happens does not disrupt law and order,” he added.

On his part, the Managing Director, Kantin Kwari Textile Market Board, Alhaji Hamisu Saadu Dogon Nama, called on traders and other business owners to comply with the directives and contribute their share towards maintaining law and order.

Similarly, the Managing Director of Sabon Gari/Galadima and Singa Markets, Alhaji Abdullahi, said: “We have asked our members to come out on the day of the protest to protect our business premises.”