Kano women accuse govt, Police of frustrating anti-rape protest

                                                                            Women march against rape in Kano.

KANO—Professional women groups in Kano State, yesterday, defied an early morning downpour and what they described as

“Police meddlesomeness” to protest rising cases of rape in the city and its environs.

The protest was jointly organised by the alumni of St. Louis Secondary School, Kano, and hordes of other professional women bodies in the city.

The women, who wielded placards with inscriptions such as “Real men don’t rape,” “Enough is enough,” “We say no to rape,” were supposed to march through some major streets and end the protest at Kano State House of Assembly.

‘They said we’ll  embarrass them’

One of the conveners of the protest, Aishatu Dankani, said: “We sought permission to take to the streets three weeks ago, but government prevented us from doing so, saying we will embarrass them.

“We waited patiently, but the menace kept growing.

“When we got permission, we were prevented from taking to the streets even though we followed due process in obtaining our permission.”

‘We were told “don’t move an inch”’

Also in a chat with Vanguard, another convener, Hauwa El-Yakub, said: “We decided to defy the meddlesomeness.

“We were here as early as 6a.m. despite downpour and met heavy security stationed all over.

“We were told that we should not move an inch from the place. That is how we just walk around the place and left.

“We thought since the issue of rape affects everyone, the Governor will lead us to our designated places of visits that include the state House of Assembly, the Emir’s palace and Government House.

“But the governor failed to show up and unfortunately, we discovered there were conscious and calculated efforts to frustrate the protest rally.

“We are ready for anything. This is about the future of our children and I don’t think we will joke with it.”

Police deny accusation

In reaction, Kano State’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Magaji Musa Majia, dismissed the allegations as baseless.

Majia said the officers’ presence had nothing to do with the protest by women against violent crimes and rape.

According to DSP Majia, “we did not stop any rally. But our men were on special duty close to the venue of the rally, providing security cover to an event organised by the Ministry of Agriculture.”