Kaduna govt relaxes 24-hour curfew by 12 hours in two LGs

The Kaduna state government has relaxed the 24-hour curfew in Jema’a and Zangon-Kataf local government areas but the restriction continues in Kaura local government area.

On December 21, the Kaduna government declared curfew in Jema’a, Zangon-Kataf and Kaura local government areas due to the persistent killings going on there.

After the curfew was imposed, Goska village in Kaura was attacked, leaving several people dead.

Protesting, the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) said the curfew was punishment on them by the Kaduna government for protesting the killings. It also said its injured people were dying because they could not be treated due to the curfew.

But in a statement on Wednesday, Samuel Aruwan, spokesman of Nasir El-Rufai, governor of the state, said health officers had been exempted from curfew to enable them carry out medical services.

He explained that the improvements in the security situation of Jema’a and Zangon Kataf LGAs informed the decision of the state’s security council to relax the curfew.

“The curfew in Jema’a and Zangon Kataf local government areas is now for twelve hours daily, from 6pm to 6am,” read Aruwan’s statement read.

“Medical and health personnel carrying out essential services are exempted from the curfew, which was imposed in December 2016.

“The decision to relax the curfew in the Jema’a and Zangon Kataf LGAs and its continuation in Kaura LGA was unanimously taken after deliberation and review of security situation in the three local government areas and the entire state.

“Security agencies have also been empowered to arrest individuals and groups found violating the curfew.  Furthermore, the Security Council urges security operatives to ensure enforcement using best practices.”