Police assure Sokoto residents of safety ahead planned protest

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Residents of Sokoto State have been urged to go about their normal daily activities without fear following concerns over a planned protest circulating on social media.

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Our correspondent, who spoke with a police spokesman in the state, DSP Ahmed Rufai, on Friday morning, was informed that the command had already taken note of the post and was monitoring the situation to ensure the protest did not degenerate into any form of unrest.

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The Police Public Relations Officer explained that the command became aware of the planned protest through social media and had taken proactive steps to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

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According to him, the command maintains a close working relationship with civil groups and organisers of peaceful demonstrations in the state.

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He said, “We saw the post on social media and the command has taken note of it. Necessary steps have been taken to ensure that the protest does not lead to any form of vice or breakdown of law and order.”

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The police spokesman added that groups intending to carry out protests usually notify the police beforehand and receive guidance on how to conduct their activities peacefully.

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“Our members in the state always carry the police command along whenever they want to carry out any procession. The police usually advise them on the rules they must follow so that the protest will remain peaceful and there will be no chaos,” he said.

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He further assured residents that adequate measures had been put in place to guarantee public safety.

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“The commander-in-chief has assured that every resident should go about their daily activities without any fear of being victimised or attacked,” the official stated.

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There have been growing concerns among residents following the circulation of messages on social media about a possible protest in the state.

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Such situations in the past have sometimes heightened tension, prompting security agencies to step up monitoring and engagement with organisers to maintain peace.

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The police, however, reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property while supporting the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful assembly, provided it is carried out in accordance with the law.

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