The Kaduna state government has imposed a twenty four hour curfew following violence on the second day of the protest against the removal of subsidy on petroleum by the government.
In a statement sent via short message service (SMS) by the spokesman to governor Patrick Yakowa at 7:20 yesterday, Tuesday January 2012, evening, the curfew takes effect from 9 o’clock same day.
The protests in the state had earlier in the day degenerated into violence with the shooting of a protester by a policeman.
The statement by the state government says the curfew became necessary following the destruction of public property and harassment of innocent resident s of the state
The SMS statement reads: “we have realised that the strike over the removal of subsidy has been hijacked by persons other than those committed to the cause.
“The demonstration which began yesterday peacefully, today turned violent. People were harassed, intimidated and installations vandalized.
“in view of this unfortunate situation, the Kaduna state security council has no choice than to impose a 24-hour curfew on the Kaduna metropolis and its environs with effect from 9.00pm today (tuesday), 10th january, 2012.01.10. “
In a related development, other states across the country have imposed curfews to varying degrees in a bid to contain mass protests being organised by the Nigeria labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress and their affiliate unions against the recent withdrawal of subsidy on petroleum.
Three states including Kano,Oyo, Zamfara have imposed curfews in a bid to stop protesters from marching on the streets. Kano will observe the curfew from 6pm to 8am while Oyo and Zamfara will do so from 7pm to 7am.
