Kaduna, Bauchi impose 24-hour curfew, as protesters ignore Tinubu’s broadcast, continue demonstrations
By KEMI KASUMU
Observers say Nigerians, who are protesting against hunger and hardship they have experienced since May 29, 2023, may have made up their minds not to stop until President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reverses his economic policies they blame for their problems.
This, The DEFENDER gathered, is the reason they ignored his presidential broadcast address of Sunday, wherein he said “I have heard you loud and clear” without immediate solution, and continued their now growing demonstrations on Monday August 5, 2024 and are currently regrouping to enter Day 6 on Tuesday August 6.
The situation is more serious in the North that even Kaduna State where Governor Ubah Sani had earlier denied declaring imposition of curfew had to now go for it.
The state on Monday imposed a 24-hour curfew on Kaduna and Zaria metropolitan cities just like Bauchi also declared same on the Katagum Local Government Area due to the ongoing nationwide hunger protestin the two states.
The Overseeing Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs in Kaduna, Mr Samuel Aruwan, made the announcement in a statement issued in Kaduna.
Aruwan said, “The Kaduna State Security Council under the leadership of Gov. Uba Sani, following a review of the security situation in the State, hereby notifies the 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.
“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,” Aruwan said.
In the same vein, the Bauchi state government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Katagum Local Government Area due to the breakdown of law and order in the ongoing nationwide protest.
This is contained in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Ibrahim Kashim, on Monday in Bauchi.
He said the measure was necessary to arrest the deteriorating security situation in Azare, the capital of Katagum LGA and its environs, following vandalism and looting of public properties.
“Gov. Bala Mohammed has approved the imposition, with immediate effect, of a 24-hour curfew in Katagum LGA in order to contain the situation.
“The governor has further directed all security agencies to wade into the matter and ensure that the hoodlums are fished out and brought to book,” he said.
The statement also quoted Mohammed as urging residents of the state to cooperate with security agencies at this trying moment.
