The Kaduna State government has clarified that no curfew has been imposed in the state as a result of Thursday’s protest, contrary to earlier reports from some media outlets.
In an interview with newsmen, the Chief of Staff, Government House Kaduna, Alh. Sani Liman Kila, confirmed that no curfew had been imposed. “His Excellency Senator Uba Sani just met with the security chiefs to review the protest. Being an activist, he handled the situation differently,” he said.
Liman Kila also mentioned that he and the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, toured the area to assess the situation, noting that everything was normal.
Earlier in the day, government and private offices, banks, markets, and shops in Kaduna were affected as thousands of youths barricaded major routes in the state capital.
The protesters, including married women, young girls and boys, adults, and children, came from areas such as Kabala Contain, Rigasa, Tundun Wada, Kabala Doki, Unguwar Sarki, and others. They held leaflets and placards with messages such as “Tinubu, we are hungry,” “End the fuel subsidy now,” and “We need jobs.”
The protesters chanted slogans like “Bamu so” (we don’t like Tinubu) and “Mu ba bayi bane” (we are not slaves). One of the protesters, Babangida Garba, remarked that the protest was driven by hunger, high living costs, and joblessness. “We have finished school but can’t find jobs. When we apply, they ask for ten years of experience. Why should experience be required for someone who has just graduated?” he said.
A 70-year-old protester, Hajiya Maiyaki, expressed support for the protest, citing the inability to afford basic necessities like rice, beans, garri, and yam. “We have children, grandchildren, and orphans to feed, but we cannot provide for them,” she said.
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Another protester, Aisha Abdullahi, a student, complained that life had become more expensive since the advent of Tinubu’s government. She said, “My parents struggle to feed and clothe us. My father bought me these shoes in 2022.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Tribune reported that many residents chose to stay indoors due to fear of the unknown, resulting in a paralysis of economic activities. The state secretariat, banks, schools, markets, and shops were closed, and bus and tricycle services were not operating.
A shop owner, Mr. Ignatius Chukwu, explained that the fear of looting led to the closure of shops. “I have valuables worth over N50 million, and if we open the shop and it’s looted, who will reimburse us? Many of us have valuables worth hundreds of millions,” he said.
Police spokesperson Mansir Hassan reported that 25 people had been arrested for various offenses. He assured that the situation is calm, with protesters having returned to their homes. However, he added that they would continue to monitor the situation.
