By Mohammed Tijjani
The Kaduna State Government on Monday imposed a 24-hour curfew on Kaduna and Zaria Metropolitan Cities after hoodlums hijacked the nationwide #endbadgovernance protest in the to loot government and private properties.
“There is sufficient evidence to clearly indicate that the ongoing protest has been hijacked by criminal elements who have resorted to looting of shops and destruction of private and public property, “the Overseeing Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs in Kaduna, Mr Samuel Aruwan said while announcing the cufew.
Aruwan said, “The Kaduna State Security Council under the leadership of Gov. Uba Sani, following a review of the security situation in the State, hereby notifies the citizens of the following:
”In view of this unfortunate development, the Kaduna State Security Council has unanimously resolved to impose a 24-hour curfew on Kaduna and Zaria Metropolises and environs with immediate effect.
“Citizens are advised to remain indoors while security forces continue to work to maintain safety and security.
“Monitoring will be sustained for review of the curfew as required,” Aruwan said.
Reports on Monday morning had indicated that hood who stormed the streets of Kaduna armed with sticks, Russian flags and other weapons embarked on a looting spree, as they invaded shops and offices while chanting anti – government slogans.
According to The Cable, the offices of two media houses, notably, AIT Television and Vision FM radio — located in the Nagwamatsa area — were among the places looted by the hoodlums.
According to the newspaper, the demonstrators also blocked major roads in the city, including the Station roundabout, Ahmadu Bello Stadium roundabout, Police College roundabout, and the Kawo overhead bridge.
The protest had similarly turned violent in Kaduna on 1 August, the first day of the nationwide protest called to protest against hunger and hardship in the country.
President Bola Tinubu had in a national broadcast on Sunday appealed to the protesters to leave the streets as he assured that his government is taking steps to accede to their requests.
However, the protesters said the President failed to accede to their demands, notably, the reversal of fuel subsidy which, according to them is at the root of the hardship in the country.
