Disgruntled Muslims Razes Police Station And 10 Vehicles Over Coronavirus Ban Affected Friday Prayers

A group of angry Muslims have allegedly burnt down a Police Station as well as seventeen (17) vehicles over the ban of Friday prayers in Katsina state, following the COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak.

Reports Indicates that the incident occurred on Saturday after one of the Muslim leader, Mallam Hassan, was arrested on Friday for conducting prayers while violating the order issued by the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, on Wednesday.

In a press release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer in Katsina State, SP Gambo Isah on Saturday, the mob after hearing the arrest of their leader, Hassan, matched to the Police station, set it ablaze alongside 7 cars and 10 motorcycles.

“It will be recall that Katsina state Government under the leadership of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Katsina state, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, CFR, fnim, issued a restriction orders Nos. SEC.2/T/3 and SEC.2/T/14 dated 25th and 27th March, 2020 respectively, directing for the total closure of its borders and suspension of large gatherings for the weekly Friday prayers and Sunday Church services while marriage ceremonies to be conducted in a low key across the state as part of measures taken to curtail the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic.

“However, yesterday 27/03/2020 some disgruntled youths under the leadership of one Mallam Hassan tested the will of the state and conducted a Friday prayer in one of the Kusada jummaat mosques. Subsequently, he was arrested for questioning at Area Commander’s office, Malumfashi which did not go down well with some of his followers.

“Consequently, today 28/03/2020 at about 09:00hrs, this particular group organised themselves in such a tumultuous manner, rioting, attacked and over powered the policemen on duty at Kusada Division, set ablaze the police station and DPO’s Quarters. They also burnt down seven motor vehicles and ten motorcycles in custody of the police station.

“The Commissioner of Police, Katsina state Command, CP Sanusi Buba, psc ordered for the deployment of police patrol teams and a special joint security task force on the Enforcement of public gathering in the state led by DC Operations, to the area which have already restored normalcy. Ninety (90) suspected rioters have been arrested while one of the rioters lost his life as a result of the encounter. Investigation is ongoing”, the statement read.

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