The Borno Police Command on Friday advised members of the Shi’ite sect to drop their planned unlawful procession in Maiduguri.

The state’s Commissioner of police, Mr Damian Chukwu, gave the advice while addressing newsmen in Maiduguri.

Chukwu said that the group should adopt a lawful means of championing its cause rather than engaging in road procession.

“We just got information that the Shi’ite group is trying to embark on public procession in Maiduguri and the state government had already issued a statement banning that procession.

“I want to say that we are in support of the ban because the law banning public procession without permission is still in force,” he said.

The commissioner said that most procession organised in states by the group had always ended in violence.

“We know the group will always want to carry on with the procession without even trying to seek permission.

“We hereby advise them to please shelve the procession in the interest of peace,” he said.

Chukwu said that the police would do everything possible to ensure the maintenance of peace in the state and warned the group to drop the planned procession. (Independent)

•Photo shows Shi’ites during a procession.

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