Kaduna imposes 24-hour curfew over looting, vandalism

Uba Sani, Kaduna governor, has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Kaduna and Zaria metropolis. 

In a statement on Monday, Samuel Aruwan, commissioner for internal security and home affairs, said the curfew was imposed over reported cases of looting during the protest.

The nationwide protest against economic hardship, which commenced on August 1, has continued in many parts of the country.

Aruwan said the protest has been hijacked by hoodlums.

“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,” the statement reads.

“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.

“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.”

In a broadcast on Sunday, President Bola Tinubu asked the protesters to suspend the demonstrations, saying he had heard them “loud and clear”.

However, the protesters returned to the streets on Monday.