Jigawa Police Command says its men are on alert to forestall possible breaches of the peace during today’s re-run election in Jigawa State.
WikkiTimes had earlier reported that Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a breakaway faction of Boko Haram planted bomb that injured one person in Dutse, the capital of Jigawa.
But the state’s Commissioner of Police, Effiom Ekot, said heavy security presence seen today has nothing to do with the explosion.
Ekot made this known in an interactive session with newsmen ahead of the assembly rerun election in five Local Government Areas, according to News Agency of Nigeria.
“We want to raise the security conscious of our people and equally tell those who like to cause trouble in the state to know that we are on ground and will not tolerate any situation that causes apprehension.
“I want to appeal to residents to remain calm. The increased police and military visibility is for the peace and good of all of us.
“So people should cooperate with all security agencies to make sure that the state maintained its status of number one peaceful state in the country,” the police boss said.
According to him: “Nobody is being harassed and nobody will be harassed. Those doing their legitimate businesses should continue to do that without any fear.
“The check points were not because of the recent explosion, but for tomorrow’s election, so those doing legitimate businesses should not be afraid.”
Ekot further claimed that the explosion was being investigated and anyone found involved will be dealt with accordingly. He said religious leaders had been admonished to enjoin their followers to be security conscious and report any suspicious faces or movement to security agencies.
He also advised them to take preventative measures at places of worship, including the screening of worshippers.
NAN
