Contrary to an earlier impression that the nationwide protests against bad governance and hunger in the land were receding, promoters of the mass action are not giving up yet.
Kaduna State Government on Monday declared a 24-hour curfew in parts of the state to cage all residents until further notice, joining the Plateau State Government which also imposed the stay-at-home-order same day.
The curfew option in Kaduna was said to have been decided following a report that some protesters were already waving the flag of Russia, giving a dangerous impression of foreign sponsorship.
The Kaduna State Security Council announced the 24-hour curfew on Kaduna and Zaria cities.
Although normalcy was said to have been restored in some parts of Kaduna, thousands of youths were out on the streets demanding an end to bad governance.
President Bola Tinubu on Sunday addressed the nation, calling for an end to the protest, but the protesters said the President did not address their demands.
Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, in a statement said the measure was taken in the interest of peace.
He said the protest had been hijacked by “criminal elements who have resorted to looting of shops and destruction of private and public property”.
The commissioner 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.”