The Kaduna State Government has given reasons why the 24-hour curfew was imposed in the metropolis and Zaria city, saying that hoodlums and criminals hijacked the protest against hardship in the state.
Besides, the fresh protest, which started at about 9 am saw hundreds of youths and elderly men and women joining the protest against hardship and bad governance.
They carried placards, banners, and Russian flags along major roads denouncing and chanting songs.
The protest was later taken over by several hoodlums and criminals who looted shops and other business premises in the heart of the city and suburbs.
Among the major parts of the Kaduna metropolis where hoodlums vandalised business premises and shops are Gobarau Road, Angwar Rimi, and Angwar Shanu by Ali Akilu Road.
The hoodlums vandalised shops and business premises along Muhammadu Buhari Way, where they also pulled down the Northern Nigerian Development Company (NNDC) ten-story fence.
At UTC by Sokoto Road, the hoodlums, who disguised as protesters, looted Shawarma kiosks.
However, reacting to the breakdown of law and order following the protest, the Coordinating Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said on Monday.
“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.”
He said the State Security Council under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, following a review of the security situation in the state, decided to impose the 24-hour curfew.
While declaring the curfew, Aruwan also said: “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.”
