Anxiety as Kaduna residents engage in panic buying

Yusuf alleges plot to unleash violence in Kano

Amid apprehension, residents of Kaduna metropolis and environs, yesterday, embarked on panic buying ahead of today’s anticipated nationwide hunger protest.
Equally, security operatives had been deployed in strategic locations to maintain law and order.

There was also a show of force by soldiers, police and Civil Defence personnel in their combat vehicles along major roads and streets within the metropolis.
Residents were also seen in major markets in large numbers making last-minute shopping.

On measures in place, spokesperson for the Kaduna Police Command, ASP Mansir Hassan, said: “The Police are on top of the situation, and our men have been deployed to ensure that there is security everywhere.”
 
Governor Uba Sani, who opposed the planned protests at a meeting with traditional rulers, however, affirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the prevailing challenges in the polity.

HOWEVER, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has alleged plan by political actors to hijack the protest and unleash terror on businesses and innocent citizens in Kano.

 Besides, the governor said intelligence had revealed the perpetrators intend causing mayhem in major streets of the ancient city.  He raised the alarm yesterday while addressing traditional and religious leaders, business community and other critical stakeholders on the planned nationwide demonstration. 
 
Although the governor maintained that the protesters are empowered under the Constitution to register their displeasure against hunger and poverty in Nigeria. He, however, alerted to “orchestrated move to hijack the demonstration.” 
 
He assured that government would not obstruct any peaceful protest to demand good governance, adding that security agencies had been directed to deal with any group that tries to foment crisis.