Kano Govt, Police allay fears of Boko Haram attack on schools

From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
Rumours in the social media on Thursday created tension and panic in the ancient city of Kano as some parents hurriedly withdrew their children from school over alleged fear of Boko Haram attack on schools and kidnap of school children.
The Kano State Government and the state Police Command quickly dispelled the rumours, urging residents to move about their businesses without fear as security reports indicated that there was no such threat on Kano or schools in the state.
A statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba, and made available to journalists, noted that the rumours, “were being peddled by unpatriotic and heartless people, in order to create chaos and tension in the state.”
He described the said rumour as baseless, unfounded and urged residents to discard it and go about their normal business.
The statement, therefore, advised members of the public, especially parents, guardians and care givers to remain calm and allow their wards to remain in School until the completion of their examination.
“Furthermore, the State Government, assured residents of the state that adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure the protection of lives and property of the people, including schools in the State,” Garba added.
The police statement signed by the Command spokesman, SP Magaji Musa Majia, stated that, “the attention of Kano State Police Command has been drawn to a rumour currently circulating in the social media that the State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all Schools for fear of attack, and wish to inform parents and Stakeholders in education sector that the information is untrue and orchestrated by mischief makers to cause pandemonium.
“The Command has a consultative security committee comprising Principals of all Secondary Schools and Parents in the State which sits periodically to highlight security situation in the Schools, and evolve advance proactive measures of maintaining and sustaining the safety and security of life and property especially in and around our Schools.
“We, therefore, call on parents, stakeholders and all good people of the state to disregard the rumour as the command is working tirelessly to provide maximum security in all the schools and the state in general.”