In response to escalating protests and rising security concerns, the Kaduna State Security Council has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Kaduna and Zaria Metropolitan Cities. The decision, announced by Samuel Aruwan, the Overseeing Commissioner of the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, comes as the region faces unrest driven by widespread dissatisfaction with governance.
Despite some areas of Kaduna experiencing a return to normalcy, thousands of youths continue to flood the streets, demanding action against what they perceive as systemic issues of bad governance. The protests, which initially began as peaceful demonstrations, have intensified, with calls for the government to address their grievances comprehensively.
President Bola Tinubu’s recent address to the nation, aimed at calming tensions, has failed to meet the protesters’ expectations. Many have criticized the President for not directly addressing their specific demands, which has only fueled further unrest.
In his statement, Samuel Aruwan highlighted the growing threat posed by criminal elements who have exploited the situation to engage in looting and vandalism. “The Kaduna State Security Council, under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, has reviewed the current security situation and found sufficient evidence that the protests have been hijacked by these criminal elements,” Aruwan said. “These individuals have resorted to looting shops and destroying both private and public property.”
To curb the violence and restore order, the Security Council has implemented an immediate 24-hour curfew across Kaduna and Zaria Metropolises and their surrounding areas. The curfew aims to ensure public safety and allow security forces to effectively manage and stabilize the situation. Residents are advised to stay indoors during this period as security personnel conduct their operations.
