Security operatives deployed by the Kaduna State government to enforce the 24-hour curfew declared amid the ongoing nationwide protest against hunger and hardship, have been seen fully armed patrolling roads across the state with amoured tanks.
Following the heavy presence of the security operatives whose appearance were more of armed officers ready for war, videos making the rounds on social media show roads and streets in the state capital deserted.
The state government announced imposition of a 24-hour curfew on Monday as the #EndBadGovernance protests entered the fifth day, with thousands of youths still demonstrating in the streets, calling for an end to perceived bad governance.
Despite some areas of the state returning to normal, the protests persist. Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu’s national address appealing for calm has been criticised by many people for not adequately addressing the underlying issues driving the protests.
In a statement on Monday, Samuel Aruwan, Overseeing Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, justified the curfew as a measure to maintain peace in the state.
The protesters are calling for government action to address pressing issues such as inflation, rising cost of living, and other economic concerns.
However, the police response has been criticised for exacerbating the situation through alleged brutality and suppression of demonstrators, further fuelling the protests.