Kaduna Governor Uba Sani has enforced a 24-hour curfew on Kaduna and Zaria metropolis due to reported incidents of looting during ongoing protests.
In a statement on Monday, Samuel Aruwan, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, said the curfew was necessary in response to the hijacking of the protest by hoodlums.
The nationwide protest against economic hardship, which began on August 1, has persisted across the country.
“The Kaduna State Security Council, led by Governor Uba Sani, after reviewing the security situation, notifies citizens as follows,” the statement reads.
“There is sufficient evidence indicating that criminal elements have hijacked the ongoing protest, resorting to looting shops and destroying private and public property.
“In light of this development, the Kaduna State Security Council has unanimously decided to impose a 24-hour curfew on Kaduna and Zaria metropolises and their environs, effective immediately.
“Citizens are advised to remain indoors while security forces work to maintain safety and security.
Monitoring will be ongoing to adjust the curfew as necessary.”
President Bola Tinubu, in a Sunday broadcast, urged protesters to suspend their demonstrations, assuring them that their voices had been heard “loud and clear.”
However, protests resumed on Monday.
