BY AMOS TAUNA, KADUNA – But for the proactive and timely intervention of the Kaduna State Police Command, unfounded rumours and counter rumours of crisis within Kaduna metropolis would have led to loss of lives and destruction of property on Sunday.
In this wise, the state Police Command quickly appealed to residents of the four Local Government Areas that make up the capital city to remain calm and go about their normal means of livelihoods.
A statement by the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police (CP) Ahmad Abdur-Rahman dispelled any of such rumour of ethnic or religious coloration in the state or any incident.
The statement which was signed by the Command Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Yakubu Abubakar Sabo, directed all security Operatives to intensify patrol to forestall any possible break down of law and order and to also boost public confidence.
The statement states; “The attention of the Kaduna State Police Command has been drawn to some callous and mischievous rumours going round in the town that there were crises around Sabon Tasha and Mararraban Rido areas of Kaduna Metropolis.
“The Command wishes to categorically debunk this information as fake and mischievous that was intentionally fabricated by some misguided persons to create panic and disharmony among the good citizens of the state in order to destabilize the existing peaceful atmosphere being enjoyed in the state.”
The Police explained that what actually happened was an incident that occurred when somebody was suspected to have attempted to steal a pair of shoes in a shop at Sabo market and was sighted.
“Thus, while the suspected thief was being pursued by good Samaritans, people moving within the neighborhood started running haphazardly, thinking that it was a crisis.
“The situation caused pandemonium and rumours spread immediately within the town and beyond,” it statement clarified.
The Kaduna Police Command assured members of the public of adequate security for the protection of lives and property and advised citizens especially residents to jettison any of such information and to report to the nearest security office any person or persons found spreading such rumour for prompt lawful action.
