There is cautious optimism as normalcy is gradually returning to Kaduna, Kano and Katsina States in the wake-up of the nationwide #endbadgovernance protests that began on Thursday.
A Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that monitored the situation in Kaduna and its environs on Monday reports that there were vehicular movements, with scores of passengers seen going to their various offices and commercial premises.
At the Federal Secretariat, Kawo-Kaduna, NAN learnt that only janitors and security staffers were met as at 9:08am.
“No worker has reported as of now. This may be due to the situation in the country, but I am not sure.
“Maybe they will come later but I am not authorised to speak to the press,” an anonymous source told NAN at the secretariat.
It was also observed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and majority of the commercial banks have opened for business.
However, some customers were seen grudgingly discussing in groups in front of the gate of one of the banks that has not opened for business.
However, ATM outlets were operating, with several customers seen patronising them.
Similarly, security operatives were seen patrolling the streets of the city and its environs, with some of them stationed in strategic locations, armed to the teeth.
A combined team of the military and other security personnel were also seen keeping vigil in all the roads leading to the Government House, Kaduna.
NAN recalls that some irate youths had on Thursday attempted to forcefully gain access into the government house on Thursday.
It was alleged that one person had consequently lost his life in the ensuing altercation between the youths and the security agents.
The Kaduna State Police Command,however, denied the allegation, insisting that nobody lost his life.
In Kano State, the residents were adhering to the recently imposed curfew, which now runs from 8am to 2pm, marking a significant shift from the previously enforced 24-hour curfew.
This adjustment has contributed to a notable improvement in the security situation in the area.
Meanwhile, the Katsina State Police Command has reiterated that the government’s ban on all forms of protest, unlawful assembly and curfew throughout the state was still in force.
This is contained in a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Abubakar Aliyu, on Monday in Katsina.
He said: “The 24-hour curfew enforced on Dutsinma LGA and 12 hours from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. in the remaining 33 LGAs of the state, is still in force.
“This measure is aimed at preventing further escalation of violence, vandalism, looting of private and public property, and at maintaining public safety and security.”
Aliyu said that the command remained committed to enforcing the ban while ensuring that peace and order would soon be fully restored across the state.
“We are calling on the good people of Katsina State to continue to cooperate with the command as well as other security agencies in this effort.
“Your understanding and compliance are crucial to maintaining the safety and security of the state.
“We are calling on the parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against engaging in acts that are in conflict with the law, and to encourage them to remain law-abiding citizens,” he said.
Aliyu added that the police were urging the public to remain calm and go about their lawful activities within the confines of the law.
“We will not hesitate to take decisive action against anyone who violates this ban.
” Let us work together to ensure peace and stability in Katsina State,” he said
NAN reports that normal business activities have already continued in Katsina metropolis and other places.
The residents were undertaking their lawful activities in all the 33 LGAs with the exception of Dutsin-ma where a 24-hour curfew was still in force.
(NAN)
