As peace gradually returns to Kaduna and environs, the state government has reviewed the 24 hour curfew it imposed o the state from 5 am to 6pm to enable residents to pursue their legitimate businesses.
A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Nasir El-rufai on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwa said that the new hours of curfew will take effect from tomorrow; Thursday, 25th October
He said that the State Government took the decision to review the curfew hours following a meeting today, Wednesday, of a select committee of the State Security Council.
The statement said that the heads of the security agencies reported significant progress in restoring calm and commended residents for the peaceful manner in which they conducted themselves during the four-hour relaxation of the curfew in parts of Kaduna yesterday.
“The Government is grateful to our citizens for their cooperation while withstanding the unintended inconvenience.”
Aruwa said that government expects normal banking and other services to resume, and markets to open as normal as from tomorrow, adding: “the security agencies will remain vigilant and continue to protect residents. Intensive surveillance of known pockets of potential trouble is also continuing, by troops on the ground and by helicopter patrols.
“It is obligatory on residents to scrupulously observe the night-time curfew hours, to keep the peace and to cooperate with the security agencies to keep our state safe. Community leaders are enjoined to ensure that hoodlums and other potential threats to peace are promptly reported to the security agencies.
“Government therefore urges all residents to report any suspicious activity to the security agencies and to refrain from spreading rumours and unverified information. The Security Council advises that there will be no hesitation to re-impose a 24-hour curfew in the event of any breach of the peace.”