Gov. El-Rufai Orders Closure Of Kaduna Recreation Parks

The Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, has ordered the closure of all recreation parks in the state during the Sallah celebration.The governor also  barred the public from using the Murtala Square for any social gathering during the period except by Muslim faithful for the Eid-el-Kabir

 prayer.El-Rufai said the steps were taken by government to ensure the safety of lives and property of the people of the state before, during and after the Sallah festivities.In a statement to mark the Eid-el-Kabir celebration by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, on
Wednesday, the governor said government was taking all steps to protect its citizens. El-Rufai observed that since soft targets had been attacked in Kaduna and other states, it had become imperative for the government to secure the entire state. The decision, the governor said  was the outcome of the state’s Security Council Meeting held on Tuesday, after an exhaustive deliberation on the general security situation in the state. The statement read in parts, “The Council noted that soft targets have been attacked in several states, including ours.“Government is therefore obliged to take actions to protect citizens and increase security activity.“Therefore enhanced security measures will be implemented in places of worship, including prayer grounds. Government regrets any inconveniences to citizens that may arise from such restrictions and security activities.“In order to ensure a hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration and safeguard the security of lives and property in the course of the Sallah festivities, the Security Council has taken the following security
advisory measures:“All parks and recreational centers, including Gamji Gate Park, the Amusement Park, Kaduna, and other related places will not be open for social gatherings.“Murtala Muhammad Square, Kaduna, will, as usual, host Eid prayers. It will, however, not be open for any social gathering or celebration except for the Eid prayers as stated.”