THE Kaduna State Government has issued a warning that it will no longer accept protests unless approved by security agencies.
The government highlighted that criminals often disguise themselves as protestors to engage in looting, vandalizing public and private property, and instilling fear in innocent citizens, as was observed on August 1st and 5th, 2024, in the metropolitan areas of Kaduna and Zaria.
This information was shared in a statement released today by Samuel Aruwan, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs.
Aruwan noted that the disturbing events of August 1st and 5th indicate that criminals are attempting to destabilize the state, using the guise of genuine protests to cover their illicit activities.
“If these plans are allowed to thrive, the consequences could be dire. The Kaduna State Government and security agencies will not remain passive while an anti-state agenda unfolds,” the statement said.
It emphasized that individuals masquerading as protestors will not be allowed to cause chaos.
Aruwan acknowledged that while the state government respects citizens’ rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and other constitutional rights guaranteed by the amended 1999 Constitution, any unverified protests are prohibited due to public safety concerns.
He also pointed out that recent intelligence reveals that criminal groups are recruiting children and impressionable individuals into their malicious activities.
“In addition, the Kaduna State Security Council, led by Governor Uba Sani, has assessed the current security circumstances, including the ongoing 6 pm to 8 am curfew, and intends to take decisive action against criminal elements posing as protestors who seek to incite unrest in the state,” Aruwan stated.
He urged citizens to continue adhering to the 6 pm to 8 am curfew and to report any suspicious activities to the Security Operations Room at the numbers: 0903 400 0060 and 0817 018 9999.
