24-Hour Curfew Announced In Kaduna And Zaria Due To Escalating Protests

The Kaduna State Government on Monday announced a 24-hour curfew for Kaduna and Zaria metropolises due to ongoing protests across the nation.

Commissioner for Internal Security Samuel Aruwan said the curfew was needed after reviewing the state's security situation, as Kaduna was one of the areas where the ongoing nationwide protests have become violent.

"There is sufficient evidence to clearly indicate that the ongoing protest has been hijacked by criminal elements who have resorted to the looting of shops and destruction of private and public property," Aruwan said, according to Premium Times.

The 10-day planned protest started on Aug. 1 and resulted in deaths in states like Kaduna, Kano, and Borno. Amnesty International reported at least 13 deaths, mainly caused by the police, though the authorities denied the same.

Protesters are calling for economic and political changes, including reversing government policies like the removal of petrol subsidies. The protesters say the policies of President Bola Tinubu's administration have worsened Nigeria's cost-of-living crisis.

"The Kaduna State Security Council has unanimously resolved to impose a 24-hour curfew on Kaduna and Zaria Metropolises and environs with immediate effect," the Commissioner for Internal Security noted. "Citizens are advised to remain indoors while security forces continue to work to maintain safety and security."

Earlier this week, Tinubu urged the demonstrators to end the "bloodshed" and "create room for dialogue."

Tinubu also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in Borno, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, and other states, as well as the damage to public facilities and the looting of shops. He noted that the protests, which were supposed to be peaceful, led to huge setbacks, as resources will now be needed to repair the damage.

The president asked the protesters and organizers to stop any further demonstrations and make way for dialogue, emphasizing that Nigeria needs everyone -- regardless of age, party, tribe, or religion -- to work together to shape the nation's future.

Despite the hardship Nigerians were facing, the Catholic Bishops of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province told the youth that protests could not solve problems, but stressed the officials to start addressing their problems quickly and effectively.