The Kaduna State Security Council has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Kaduna and Zaria metropolitan cities after protests turned violent on Monday. Following three days of calm, protesters regrouped and went on a looting spree, prompting the curfew announcement.
The protests began Monday morning with demonstrators marching through major streets in Kaduna and Zaria, waving the Russian flag. However, the situation escalated when they started looting public and private property, including vandalizing the offices of AIT and Vision FM inside Nagwamatse House.
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The overseeing commissioner for the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, announced the curfew in a statement Monday afternoon. He explained that the protests had been hijacked by criminal elements.
“The Kaduna State Security Council, under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, following a review of the security situation in the state, hereby notifies citizens of the following: 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. 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,” Aruwan stated.
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He urged citizens to remain indoors while security forces work to restore order and maintain safety. The situation will be monitored closely for any necessary adjustments to the curfew.