“We decided to take precautionary measures.”
PUNCH
Panic spread across Sokoto State on Friday following rumours of protests linked to the recent killing of 16 hunters in Uromi, Edo State. Business activities in several Igbo-dominated areas, including Bello Way, Emir Yahya, Sahara, and Aliyu Jodi, were grounded as shop owners locked up in fear of retaliatory attacks.
A trader, Chinedu, said, “We heard of the rumour of a possible protest and attack by some youths in the state after Friday prayer, and we decided to take precautionary measures.” Another trader who requested anonymity added, “The last time they protested during late Deborah issue, they used the opportunity to attack and loot our goods, so we decided to be proactive this time.”
The Sokoto Police Command assured residents of adequate security. Spokesperson DSP Ahmed Rufai confirmed the deployment of personnel across the metropolis. No violence was reported as of the time of filing this report.