The Kaduna State Government has warned that henceforth, only protests authorised by the security agents will be permitted to hold in view of the security situation in the state.
The decision was made public in a statement by the Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan today.
Aruwan said the ugly events of 1st and 5th August 2024 were clear indicators that criminals were pursuing an agenda to plunge the state into chaos, and ready to camouflage their plans with otherwise genuine protests.
He said the Security Council recognised the fundamental rights of citizens to freedom of expression, lawful assembly and other constitutional rights as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
He said the resolve followed the review of the present security situation arising from the existing 6pm to 8am curfew, and other issues relating to public safety by the Kaduna State Security Council headed by Governor Uba Sani.
Based on its review, government said criminal elements disguising themselves as protesters with the intent to generate unrest in the state will no longer be spared.
“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 August 2024.
The statement reads:
“Processions not verified and cleared by security agencies therefore remain prohibited in light of the public security considerations highlighted,” the statement stated.
“Available intelligence from the reviewed period also shows the grim focus of these forces in herding children and impressionable individuals into their dark schemes.
“The consequences of these plans, if allowed to flourish, are better imagined. The Kaduna State Government and security forces will not stand by and allow an anti-state agenda to run unchecked. It bears reiterating that criminals masquerading as protesters will not be permitted to wreak havoc.”
Kaduna citizens are then enjoined to continue to observe the 6pm to 8am curfew and report any incendiary activity to the Security Operations Room on 0903 400 0060, 0817 018 9999.