The Kano State Police Command has issued a stern warning to youths in the state against using the “Tashe” traditional disguise to incite trouble during the ongoing Ramadan period observed by Muslims.

The “Tashe” tradition involves youths dressing unusually, singing, dancing, and moving from one area to another in a humorous manner during the last ten days of fasting in Ramadan.

However, the State Police Command expressed concerns that some thugs with ulterior motives might exploit the celebration of the “Tashe” tradition to perpetrate evil acts against innocent people. Therefore, the command urged organizers of the “Tashe” tradition to exercise caution in their actions.

Addressing the press in Kano on Monday, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Muhammad Gumel, emphasized that security operatives would not tolerate anyone using the peaceful religion of Islam to cause harm to innocent people. He warned that the police would take decisive action against any individuals or groups found engaging in such activities.

He said “The expertise having carefully reviewed the crime pattern in the State and made in particular the discovery that in the past some youth exploit the Traditional “Tashe” culture to perpetuate insecurity by using ‘Tashe culture’ and disguising the mockery, especially during the last part of Ramadan days.”

He, however, disclosed that “Moving forward, the Police Command has invited some community leaders, religious authorities, and influential youth leaders and discussed with them on how best to surmount the issue of specifically the youth that take advantage instead of promoting the “Tashe” tradition, to perpetuate insecurity during these Ramadan days.

“On this, the State Police Command has adopted a robust security strategy to effectively address this challenge and to maintain the stable peace in all parts of the state.

Consequently, Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and Tactical and Operational Commanders were directed to identify and reach out to prominent people including the youths that organize “Tashe” and to beam the necessary searchlight against any form of potential violence in the State.

In particular, the Police Command has taken concrete security measures to deal with any person or group of people that plan to take advantage of the indigenous Tashe culture to perpetuate insecurity during the last part of Ramadan days.

Furthermore, the Police Command has increased surveillance and patrols in the identified areas where youth tend to exploit Tashe culture to promote nefarious activities. (Nigerian Tribune)