Nigerian Security Operatives Halt Shiites Procession in Katsina

Nigerian Security Operatives Halt Shiites Procession in Katsina

Combined team of Security operatives today blocked members of the Muslim Shiite sect from their annual procession of Maulud in Katsina State.

The Shiite members who were about converging at the Katsina Central mosque to commence the procession when the joint security operatives hurriedly halted the procession.

It was observed that stern looking security operatives barricaded entrance to the mosque and reportedly dismantled podium said to have been mounted inside the mosque by the Shiite members.

A source revealed that the procession is an annual event to mark the Maulud celebration in commemoration of the birth of Fatima, the Prophet's daughter.

A member of the sect spoke under anonymity that "the procession is an annual event that starts from the central mosque and move around town before converging at the mosques for sermon."

Reacting to the scenario, the state Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, who assured the people that his administration would not trample on the rights of any citizens, urged them to appreciate the fact that their rights stops at where the rights of others begin.

Masari warned that his administration would not fold it arms and watch any group take over public places for their own use.

Speaking also, the leader of Shiites in the state, Sheikh Yakubu Yahaya, described the action of the security operatives as unfortunate.

Shiek Yahaya insisting that: "Virtually all the security operatives were drawn to the Central mosque venue of the celebration."

He alleged that the security agents stormed the venue of the procession with "about ten vehicles including an ambulance and confiscated all our materials including banners, flags and portraits."

The Shiites leader described the decision of the security operatives as an unprovoked attack noting that the Shiite members were scared.