It was a beehive of socio-economic activities yesterday, as the residents of Kaduna, Kano and Katsina States shunned the one-million-man nationwide protests.
According to reports from the three States, hordes of people were seen busy undertaking their routine public and private activities. It was gathered that markets, motor parks, supermarkets and other economic activities were going on unfettered, oblivious of the proposed protests.
Commercial motorists and motorcyclists were also seen busy conveying passengers to and from their various destinations. Security agents were also seen patrolling major streets, protecting critical State and national assets.
In Kaduna, a security source along Ahmadu Bello Way in the metropolis, who spoke to newsmen yesterday on condition of anonymity to newsmen, said: We have no issue with anybody, as the people are going about their activities lawfully.
In Kafanchan, it was also learnt that there was no sign of any protest as the residents went about their normal activities. However, security operatives were stationed in strategic locations in and around the town.
In Zaria, people were also seen going about their normal businesses as there was no presence or any activities of the protest. There was also the presence of security personnel at strategic locations within the metropolis.
In Kano, some of the residents of Kano metropolitan local government areas have expressed their decision not to participate again in any form of protests in the State.
Commercial activities were gradually resuming in all the metropolitan local government areas of the metropolis, marking a return to normalcy amidst a peaceful atmosphere.
According to reports, markets such as Sabon Gari, Singer Market, Kantin Gwari, and Ahmadu Bello Way have seen a significant pickup in activities, with shops now open for daily business. Commercial activities were also carried on without any reported security threats. Police and military personnel have also been deployed in strategic locations, maintaining order and preventing potential disturbances.
It was learnt that in spite of the on-going curfew from 6 am to 6 pm, the city was experiencing a sense of calmness.
In Katsina, the organisers of the protests have complied with the order issued by the Police and the state government that banned all forms of protests and unlawful assembly across the State. The State’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Aliyu, said that the order was still in force across the State.
According to him, the measure was aimed at preventing further escalation of violence, vandalism and looting of private and public properties, as well as maintaining public safety and security.
According to reports, property estimated at millions of Naira were vandalised by the miscreants who hijacked the protests during its first day. The State government imposed a 24-hour curfew on Dutsinma local government area for some days, and 7 pm to 7 am in the remaining 33 LGAs to address the situation. However, the curfew in Dutsinma was reviewed from 7 pm to 7 am, like in the other local governments.
The PPRO said that the Police remained committed to enforcing the ban with a view to restoring peace across the State.
