Bauchi state SGF Ibrahim Kashim speaking after meeting Heads of Security Agencies
The Bauchi State Government has threatened to take decisive action against any cleric using inciting statements in the name of religious preaching.
It also directed security agents to deal with hoodlums, otherwise called Sara Suka, groups and individuals terrorising innocent persons, especially in the state capital.
The Secretary to the State Government, Ibrahim Kashim issued the warning after a meeting with Heads of Security Agencies at Government House, Bauchi.
Mr Kashim, who expressed displeasure about the mode of preaching by some Bauchi-based clerics, vowed that government would not allow such actions to cause conflict and disunity among different sects.
According to him, religion is a sensitive issue; hence the efforts by government to ensure clerics were respecting the views of one another, in order to guarantee peaceful coexistence.
On the issue of Sara Suka, the SSG said security operatives were directed to penalise the perpetrators in view of the incessant violent attacks being carried out by the notorious youth in most parts of the State Capital.
The State Commissioner of Police, Aminu Alhassan said the police and other security operatives would intensify operations in all nooks and crannies to ensure adequate security of lives and property.
Writing by Isiyaka Ismail Wunti; Editing by Daniel Adejo and Tony Okerafor