Kaduna goverment imposes 24-hour curfew on Chikun council as two die during violence

• CAN faults use of curfew by govt at slightest provocation

The Kaduna State government has imposed a 24-hour curfew in Sabon Garin Nasarawa-Tirkaniya area in Chikun Local Council following the outbreak of violence, which led to the death of two people.

According to the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs in the state, Samuel Aruwan, the decision was reached following a breakdown of law and order, which led to the killing of two citizens in an incident of urban gang violence.

“The Kaduna State government hereby announces immediate imposition of 24-hour curfew on Sabon Garin Nassarawa-Tirkaniya area of Chikun Local Council.

“This decision was reached following a breakdown of law and order, which led to the killing of two citizens in an incident of urban gang violence.

“Security agencies have been directed to enforce the curfew in the said location to restore order as investigations proceed. Citizens are therefore urged to strictly observe the curfew in this location, which takes effect immediately.

“Further updates will be communicated accordingly,” the statement stated.

MEANWHILE, in a swift reaction, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna chapter, Revd. Joseph Hayab, who condemned the violence in Chikun community, however, faulted the decision of the state government to impose curfew at the slightest provocation.

He said that the government should always explore ways of settling problems within communities instead of the use of 24-hour curfew.

“We condemn every form of violence. Violence has never solved any problem. We should be matured and civil in our activities. We should know how to express our concerns and grievances.

“Government seems to have turned curfew to look like anything instead of finding solution to problems. Even when two friends have disagreement and there is a loud noise, it is curfew”, Hayab said.

“The way curfew is being declared in Kaduna is like the ancient elders who take coffee in the morning, afternoon and evening. We should be matured enough to know how to solve problems like this. Violence cannot be tolerated or be supported.

“We have been appealing to people for calm, understanding and tolerance. We should have a more civilised way of addressing issues and not harming others. And on the other hand, government should not, at the slightest provocation be imposing curfew,” he said.