The Kaduna State Police Command has fortified the road leading to the Government House in the state capital following violent incidents during the #EndBadGovernance protests. The unrest, which occurred on Thursday, included an attempted attack on the Government House by hoodlums.
On Friday, a combined team of security operatives, including the police, civil defense, and state vigilance service, established a barricade along the road to prevent further attacks on the Government House and surrounding communities. These measures aim to maintain security and public order in the wake of the protests.
In a statement, Kaduna State Police spokesman Mansir Hassan explained that while the initial protests were relatively peaceful, they were subsequently hijacked by hoodlums who exploited the situation to instigate violence. The miscreants attempted to storm the Government House, injuring two policemen and damaging a police armored personnel carrier stationed at the entrance. The attackers also targeted the office and staff of the Kaduna State Traffic Law Enforcement Agency (KASTLEA), setting the building on fire along with nearby government offices.
Hassan reported that 25 individuals were arrested in connection with the violence. The police recovered various items from the suspects, including scissors, a jackknife, and live ammunition. Additionally, one suspect was found wearing a police camouflage uniform in an attempt to deceive authorities.
The police have urged parents and guardians to prevent their wards from participating in activities that disturb public peace. They advised groups planning to protest to coordinate with the Commissioner of Police to ensure peaceful demonstrations. “The somewhat peaceful protest has been hijacked by hoodlums who took undue advantage of the so-called faceless sponsors and unleashed their planned mayhem on the state,” Hassan stated.
The Kaduna State Police Command remains committed to maintaining law and order and will take necessary actions to prevent further violence and disruption.