Apprehension of fear gripped Kaduna metropolis just as security operatives were deployed to provide surveillance on strategic locations in preventing chaos from the protest against hardship and poverty in Kaduna State.
Besides, there was a show of force by soldiers, Police and Civil Defence personnel in their combat vehicles along major roads and streets in Kaduna.
Residents in the metropolis were also seen in major markets, particularly at the central market (Kasuwa), Kakuri market, Tudun Wada and Kawo markets who large population of traders and the customers embarked on last minutes buying and selling to beat any form of eventuality on protest day.
When the Guardian spoke with the Spokesperson of the Kaduna Police Command, ASP Mansir Hassan on the measures put in place to provide law and order, and protection of lives and properties in the State, he said “the Police are on top of the situation, and our men have been deployed to ensure that the is security everywhere”.
According to him, “there is no cause for alarm, we are on top of the situation”.
Meanwhile, armed soldiers, Police and other paramilitary men were sighted in their vehicles patrolling major roads like Ahmadu Bello Way, Independence way, Ali Akilu Road, Nnamdi Azikiwe highway, Tudun Wada showing military force in preparation for any form of protest on Thursday.
The Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, criticized the planned protests across Nigeria, while affirming the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing current challenges, as he met with traditional rulers and opinion leaders in the State.
Although he acknowledged that Nigerians are facing economic difficulties due to years of economic mismanagement, corruption, and lack of accountability, he assured citizens that President Bola Tinubu has the challenging task of cleaning up the mess left by previous administrations and resetting the economy for the benefit of the country and its people.
“Tinubu has introduced policies aimed at reinventing the economy and putting the country back on the path to sustainable growth and development.”
He added, “The implementation of some policies, we must admit, has been painful. However, these pains are temporary. The severe economic situation the country faced required a surgical operation.”
“The President has demonstrated courage in undertaking this economic overhaul. We are making steady progress. We must support the President in his patriotic efforts to revitalize the economy and restore smiles to the faces of Nigerians.”
According to him, both the federal and state governments have been relentless in addressing the nation’s developmental and security challenges.
“In our current context as a state, we are grappling with security challenges such as banditry, insurgency, and kidnapping. We are acutely aware of the enduring effects of insecurity on the socio-economic life of our citizens—threats to food security, education, healthcare delivery, civic freedom, social cohesion, and especially our rural economy. At this time, our peace and stability are paramount.
“The current times demand deep introspection, sound reasoning, a high sense of patriotism, and sacrifices for the collective good. It is imperative that we follow the path of wisdom and focus on the brighter future ahead.
“Nobody or group in Kaduna State has approached the Nigeria Police with the intention of organising a protest. The police have the constitutional responsibility for maintaining peace and order. Kaduna State is therefore united in saying NO TO ANY PROTEST.
“We hold our peace dear and are committed to protecting it.”
Speakers at the town hall meeting unanimously opposed any mass action in Kaduna State. They strongly believed that, given the state’s past negative experiences with protests, every effort should be made to prevent any such actions.
They commended the administration’s efforts in securing lives and property, addressing developmental deficits, and fostering citizen engagement through platforms like town hall meetings.
The Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness Amb. Nuhu Bamalli, called for caution and urged Kaduna State citizens to heed words of wisdom and embrace peace.
He reminded people of the consequences in some African countries where protests led to mass destruction of lives and property, destabilizing those nations.
