The Kaduna State Government has warned that it would no longer tolerate any procession not approved by security agencies.
The government also said that criminals masquerading themselves take advantage of the #EndBadGovernance protests to loot, vandalise public and private property, and unleash terror on innocent citizens as witnessed on August 1 and 5 in Kaduna and Zaria metropolis.
In a statement on Saturday, August 10, the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, explained that the state Executive Council had banned unapproved processions due to pressing concerns over public safety and security in the state.
Part of the statement read, “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.
“The Kaduna State Security Council recognises the fundamental rights of citizens to freedom of expression, lawful assembly, and other constitutional rights enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as amended.
“Nevertheless, the security forces cannot permit a situation wherein criminals masquerade as protesters to loot and vandalise public and private properties and unleash terror on innocent citizens, as experienced on the 1st and 5th of August 2024.”
The council noted that this decision followed intelligence reports indicating that criminals were exploiting legitimate protests as a cover to incite terror and loot properties, with the intent of plunging the state into chaos and anarchy.
“Processions not verified and cleared by security agencies therefore remain prohibited in light of the public security considerations highlighted.”
It added, “The ugly events of 1st and 5th August 2024 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.”
The council also urged people in the state to adhere to the 6 pm to 8 am curfew and to report any suspicious activities to the Security Operations Room, emphasising that these measures were essential to maintaining law and order in the state, especially in light of recent violence and unrest.
Kaduna is one of the Nigerian states where the hunger protest turned violent.
The ICIR reported that thousands of Nigerians have taken to the streets to demand economic and political reforms including reversal of some government policies since August 1.
The protests which began peacefully, later turned violent in many states leading to deaths of some Nigerians and destruction of properties.
Themed #EndbadGovernance, the protest has won widespread support with an online campaign that called on the government to reduce fuel prices and tackle the increasing cost of living, among other demands.
Nurudeen Akewushola is an investigative reporter and fact-checker with The ICIR. He believes courageous in-depth investigative reporting is the key to social justice, accountability and good governance in society. You can reach him via [email protected] and @NurudeenAkewus1 on Twitter.