Kaduna Declares 24-hour Curfew As Massive Protest Erupts in Zaria

A 24-hour curfew has been imposed by the Kaduna State Government following the eruption of massive protests, particularly in Kaduna and Zaria Metropolises.

The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest has continued in various cities across the country despite President Bola Tinubu’s address on Sunday, where he asked protesters to suspend any further demonstrations and create room for dialogue.

Defying the speech, residents of Kaduna State have trooped out en masse for the protest.

In response, the Executive Governor of the state, Governor Uba Sani, has declared a 24-hour curfew in Kaduna and Zaria Metropolises and their environs with immediate effect.

In a statement signed by Samuel Aruwan, the overseeing commissioner of the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, the government said that the protest has been hijacked by criminal elements who have resorted to looting shops and destroying 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 their environs with immediate effect,” the statement, seen by Neusroom, reads in part.

“Citizens are advised to remain indoors while security forces continue to work to maintain safety and security,” Samuel Aruwan said.

Since the protest began on August 1, a massive turnout has been witnessed in several northern states, including Abuja, the nation’s capital, and Kano, where protesters looted a government building, Borno, and other states in the region.

Also, in Kaduna State, another Northern State, several videos show protesters waving the Russian flag.

The Northern region has also recorded the highest number of reported deaths since the demonstration began last week.

In the country’s South, pockets of protests have also been recorded in Lagos, the nation’s economic hub and Port Harcourt.