Following the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest on Thursday, the Kaduna State Police Command has taken into custody 25 demonstrators.
Contrary to reports, the state government has refuted claims of enforcing a round-the-clock curfew in the region.
Initially, the protests commenced peacefully around the well-known NEPA roundabout in the city, however, the situation escalated as the protestors sought entry into the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House.
Subsequently, acts of vandalism occurred, with government property, including the Kaduna State Traffic Law Enforcement Agency office along Sokoto Road, being targeted by the protesters.
During the unrest, a section of the office was set ablaze, and various items within the premises were stolen by the demonstrators.
After inspecting the scene, the Chief of Staff to the governor, Sani Kila, clarified that the reported 24-hour curfew was not implemented by the state government.
“We have conducted thorough checks across the state, and everything is peaceful. Contrary to certain media reports, there is no curfew in place,” he stated.
In the meantime, the Public Relations Officer of the Kaduna State Police Command, Mansir Hassan, ASP, disclosed that the individuals detained were aiming to disrupt a peaceful protest.
According to Hassan, the protestors were given clear instructions to provide their information to ensure a nonviolent demonstration.
“Nevertheless, some members disregarded these guidelines and resorted to violence, trying to breach the Government House premises and causing damage to a police armored vehicle,” he explained.
The PPRO further cautioned that any form of destructive or violent protests would not be condoned by the authorities, and the arrested individuals would face legal consequences.
He reiterated the command’s dedication to upholding citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly while prioritizing public safety and security.