Hunger protest: Kano Business Community constitutes committee to ensure security

Ahead of the planned nationwide protest, the Kano business community on Saturday set up an ad-hoc security operations committee to provide adequate security across markets and business places during the protest.

The business community, under the leadership of Alhaji Sabi’u Bako, made the disclosure after an emergency meeting with representatives from major markets and supermarkets in the city.

The 20-member committee was inaugurated during the meeting attended by renowned businessmen and the Chairman, National Harmonised Traders Union, Alhaji Bature Abdul Aziz.

Speaking on behalf of the market leaders, the chairman, Kantin Kwari Market Traders Association, Alhaji Balarabe Tatari urged youth to desist from engaging in acts capable of disrupting the peaceful atmosphere in the state.

According to him, reports going around indicate that the protest will be conducted peacefully, saying that adequate measures must be put in place to protect Kano as the centre of commerce.

“But in such cases, bad elements penetrate and turn it into something else by looting and destroying properties”

He said as business owners, they must protect the lives and properties of their members as such they must put modalities in place to achieve the desired objectives.

The chairman urged youths to shun violence, embrace dialogue and avoid exposing themselves to unethical acts.

“I am appealing to the youth to put it at the back of their mind that Kano is their home and any attempt to make it inhabitable would lead to unforeseen circumstances.

“Kano is our state and we must all work together to ensure that whatever comes up is not aimed at breaking law and order,” he said.

The Managing Director, Kantin Kwari Textile Market Management Board, Alhaji Hamisu Sa’adu Dogon Nama explained that the meeting was organized to share ideas on how to protect their markers.

He called on traders and other business owners at Kantin Kwari to comply with directives and contribute their quota in maintaining a peaceful atmosphere.

Also speaking, the Managing Director, Sabon Gari Galadima and Singa Markets, Alhaji Abdullahi appealed to the public, especially the youth, to keep in mind that whatever they do should be in the interest of Kano.

“We have contacted the Nigeria Police Force, local security, and relevant stakeholders regarding the need for security around the markets.

“We have informed our members to come out on the day of the protest to protect our business premises,” he added.