Convener of Sokoto protest withdraws, says hoodlums planning to hijack marches

Bashar Binji, convener of the hunger protest in Sokoto, has announced the withdrawal of his group from the nationwide demonstrations.

In an interview with journalists in Sokoto on Tuesday, Binji cited an alleged plot by hoodlums to attack markets in the state. 

Binji said security reports indicated that a group has perfected plans to attack banks and other government facilities during the protest.

He added that these factors could destabilise the relative peace enjoyed by residents of the state. 

“The chairman of the Sokoto Marketers Association, Abubakar Sarkin-Gishiri, reported the hoodlums’ planned attack to the Department of State Services (DSS) and it was confirmed,” he said.

“Moreover, there is another security report indicating that another group has perfected plans to attack banks and other government properties. 

“As responsible citizens, we do not want to give them that opportunity. We have therefore resolved to withdraw from the planned protest for the safety of all the residents and their properties.”

Binji thanked security agencies for safeguarding the state, adding that the group would explore other ways to express their grievances to the government. 

“We appeal to the people to support us and shun any actions that could breach the peace of the state,” he said.