Kaduna, Kano, Katsina residents shun 1m man protests

Kaduna, Kano, Katsina residents shun 1m man protests

It was a beehive of socioeconomic activities on Saturday as the residents of Kaduna, Kano and Katsina States shunned the one-million-man nationwide protests.

Correspondents of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in the three states learnt that hordes of people were seen busy undertaking their routine public and private activities.

It was gathered that markets, motor parks, supermarkets and other economic activities were going on unfettered, oblivious of the proposed protests.

Commercial motorists and motorcyclists were also seen busy conveying passengers to and from their various destinations.
Security agents were also seen patrolling major streets, protcting critical state and national assets.

“We have no issue with anybody as the people are going about their activities lawfully,” a security source that sought for anonymity told NAN along Ahmadu Bello Way, Kaduna.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Government said unverified processions were not permitted in the state for reasons of public safety and security.

The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan, gave the warning in a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna.

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Aruwan said, “The Kaduna State Security Council under the leadership of Gov. Uba Sani, has reviewed the present security situation arising from the existing 6pm to 8am curfew, and other issues pertaining to public safety.

“Based on this review, the security council hereby announces that criminal elements disguising as protesters, with the intent to generate unrest in the state, will not be spared.”

He said the council recognised the fundamental rights of the citizens to freedom of expression, lawful assembly and other constitutional rights enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as amended.

Aruwan added that nevertheless, the security forces cannot permit a situation wherein criminals masquerade as protesters to loot and vandalise public, private properties and unleash terror on innocent citizens as experienced on Aug 1- 5.

According to him, processions not verified and cleared by the security agencies, therefore, remained prohibited in the light of the public security considerations highlighted.

“The ugly events of Aug 1 to 5, are clear indicators that criminals are pursuing an agenda to plunge the state into chaos, and are ready to camouflage these designs with otherwise genuine protests.

“Available intelligence from the reviewed period also shows the grim focus of these forces in herding children and impressionable individuals into their dark schemes.

“The consequences of these plans, if allowed to flourish, are better imagined. The Kaduna State Government and security forces will not stand by and allow an anti-state agenda to run unchecked, ” Aruwan said.

He said it was worth reiterating that criminals masquerading as protesters would not be permitted to wreak havoc.

“Finally, the citizens are enjoined to continue to observe the 6pm to 8am curfew and report any incendiary activity to the Security Operations Room on: 0903 400 0060, 0817 018 9999, “Aruwan said

A NAN Correspondent in Kafanchan also learnt that there was no sign of any protest as the residents went about their normal activities.

However, security operatives were stationed in strategic locations in and around the town.

In Zaria, people were also seen going about their normal businesses as there was no presence or any activities of the protest.

There was also the presence of security personnel at strategic locations within the metropolis.

Kaduna, Kano, Katsina residents shun 1m man protests