Ahmed: security concerns over Independence parade

The Kwara State Government on Thursday cancelled all forms of fanfare as well as Metropolitan Square parade to mark the 55th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Isiaka Gold, directed the cancellation in a statement.

The SSG attributed the cancellation to unfavorable security reasons considered as potential threats to peace, lives and properties in the state.

Gold stated that government had received intelligence report that killer squads had been imported into the state to disrupt the independence celebration.

The state Ministry of Sports and Development had on Sept. 23, sent out invitations to dignitaries, media and organisations on the anniversary scheduled to hold at the Metropolitan Square, Ilorin.

Mallam Abubakar Alliyu, Secretary of the Independence Anniversary Local Organising Committee (LOC), who signed the invitation letter on behalf of the ministry, outlined a number of activities lined up to mark the occasion in Kwara.

These, he said, included a rally/parade match pass by school children, voluntary organisations, uniformed youths, para- military organisations and the police.

However, some residents who spoke to NAN on the last minute cancellation observed that government might have done so to prevent reccurrence of mob action where worshipers stoned dignitaries at the Ilorin Eid praying ground.

Mr Joseph Akinlade expressed the view that top government officials might want to avoid attacks since they were the ones to take the salute and deliver the president’s speech at the occasion.