Jema’a Local Government Council authority of Kaduna State has imposed a 24 hour curfew on Kafanchan and its environs to prevent further break down of law and order following a massive protest by youths of Kafanchan.
The youths have been protesting what they called unending killings in Southern Kaduna and the inability of the government and security agents to put the situation under control.
Interim Chairman of Jema’a local government, Dr. Bege Katuka who confirmed the development via a telephone interview hinted that the decision became necessary to forestall any possible breakdown of law and order in his jurisdiction.
According to the council chair, “as a responsible government, it was incumbent on the Council to take proactive measures to guarantee the safety of lives and property.”
He urged the people to be calm and remain indoors until the situation improves.
The protest, which was staged on Monday morning alleged government of insensitivity to the unending terror acts that have claimed scores of lives and property.
Spokesperson of the youths, Mr. Nathan Chaweson regretted the high level of impunity exhibited by the the attackers even with the presence of security operatives at flashpoints.
Chaweson lamented government’s failure to guarantee the security of the people, adding that for the period the attacks lasted, no single arrest had been recorded.
According to him, “We are pushed to the wall to question the innocence of the government in what has been happening”.
He however demanded that the government rise to its responsibility of protecting lives and property in all parts of the state to give everyone a sense of belonging.
The protesting youths were seen with leaves and placards with different inscriptions, including, ‘government should end killings in Southern Kaduna’ and ‘arrest our attackers’, among others.
Jema’a and Kauru Local Government Areas, both in the Southern Kaduna have in the recent past suffered series of attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen, leading to killings of many people and property destroyed.
