3 dead, katsina govt ban rallies

The Katsina state government has banned rallies and all forms of processions in the state, following a clash that occurred between members of the Shiite sect and police in Funtua.

According to the State Police commissioner, Mr. Usman Abdullahi, security operatives had to disperse the protesters.

The Katsina police command also confirmed that three people died and 48 others were arrested by security personnel.

Speaking further, the Special Assistant on Media to the Governor, Abdu Labaran Malumfashi, said “People are advised to go about their businesses and activities within the bounds of the law, with the full assurance that government will not allow anybody, groups or organisations to hold the state to ransom under whatever guise.

“People of the state are also advised to report to the authorities any suspicious activities capable of endangering the peaceful atmosphere in the state. However, under no circumstances should anybody take the law into their hands.”

On Wednesday, October 12, 2016, angry youths in Kaduna burnt downthe home of a leader of the Shiite Islamic sect, Mukhtar Sahabi.

Members of the Shiite sect are protesting over the continued detention of their leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.