2024 Demonstration: Kano bizmen constitute taskforce to protect markets

By Muhammad Abdul

The Kano business community on Saturday constituted emergency squads to provide security across markets and business places during the planned nationwide protest.

SolaceBase reports that Kano is a commercial hub of sub-Sahara Africa, and currently boasts of 8 major markets, and several multi-purpose shopping malls located in strategic places in a city of approximately 20 million dwellers.

Alhaji Sabi’u Bako, leader of the Kano Business community who addressed an emergency meeting with representatives from major markets and supermarkets, expressed the need to take proactive steps to forestall looting.

During the meeting, the chairman, National Harmonize Traders Union, Alhaji Bature Abdul Aziz inaugurated a 20-member committee to coordinate the operations of the self-help group.

In an address at the ceremony, Alhaji Balarabe Tatari, the chairman, Kantin Kwari Market Traders Association, urged youth to desist from engaging in acts capable of disrupting the peaceful atmosphere in the state.

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Balarabe Tatari said reports going around indicate that the protest will be conducted peacefully, notwithstanding “it is incumbent on us to provide adequate measures to protect Kano as the center of commerce.”

He explained that we are aware that in such cases, bad elements usually penetrate and turn it into something else by looting and destroying properties”.

The chairman said “Am appealing to the youth to put it at the back of their mind that Kano is their home and any attempt to make it inhabitable would lead to unforeseen circumstances.

He stressed that “Kano is our state and we must work together to ensure that whatever comes up is not target law and order”.

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On his part, the managing Director, Kantin Kwari textile market management board, Alhaji Hamisu Saadu Dogon Nama called on traders and other business owners at Kantin Kwari to comply with directives and contribute their quota to the maintenance of law and order.

Similarly, the managing director, Sabon Gari/ Galadima and Singa Markets, Alhaji Abdullahi said  “We have informed our members to come out on the day of the protest to protect our business premises.”