Security operatives stop protesters from ‘invading’ Kaduna government house

Security operatives have reportedly stopped some hoodlums from breaking into the Kaduna state government house during the nationwide protest over economic hardship in the country.

The protesters, who had placards calling for the reintroduction of the petrol subsidy and an end to hunger and banditry, first made attempts to block roads leading to the official residence of the governor on Thursday.

Security operatives guarding the governor’s residence stopped the protesters from gaining access to the building.

The security agents shot tear gas canisters to disperse the protesters, who are mainly young people.

Before the commotion around the government house, the protesters had made a procession along Ahmadu Bello Way in the Kaduna metropolis, chanting anti-government songs.

Most establishments in Kaduna, including banks and shops, were closed due to the protest.

On Wednesday, the Kaduna police command said over 25,000 security personnel were deployed to strategic flash points in the state to ensure law and order during  the “protest against hunger and bad governance”.

Mansir Hassan, the police spokesperson in Kaduna, said in a statement that the security personnel include police operatives, men of the armed forces, and those of other security agencies.

He added that the “massive” security deployment to flashpoints “is to ensure strict compliance with public order”.