The Katsina State Government has warned that it would deal decisively with any person or group of persons who attempted to truncate the prevailing peace in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (Shiites) had attempted to stage peaceful procession in Katsina, but were prevented by security agents.

Gov. Aminu Masari gave the warning on Wednesday in Katsina during the swearing-in of Alhaji Ibrahim Dabo as member of the Commission of Inquiry for the recovery of looted funds in the state.

He warned that his administration would not fold its arms and watch some disgruntled elements disrupt the peace in the state.

He said: “the government is committed to the maintenance of peace and protection of lives and property.

“The government will not allow some individuals to turn Katsina into a battle ground.

“Nobody no matter how highly placed, will be given the chance to turn Katsina into another Zaria were several people lost their lives.”

Masari said that the government would ensure that no individual or group of persons held it or members of the public to ransom.

He promised that the citizens would be given the opportunity to practice their religion without any hindrance.

He added that the citizens were also free to give constructive criticisms about the activities of government.

Masari described Dabo as a ‘seasoned technocrat’ who would bring his wealth of experience to bear in the affairs of the commission.

He said that Dabo was a former Auditor-General in the state who was later transferred to serve in the same capacity in the Local Government Affairs. (NAN)

•Photo shows Gov. Masari.