It was a beehive of socioeconomic activities on Saturday as the residents of Kaduna, Kano and Katsina States shunned the one-million-man nationwide protests.
Hordes of people were seen busy undertaking their routine public and private activities.
It was gathered that markets, motor parks, supermarkets and other economic activities were going on unfettered, oblivious of the proposed protests.
Commercial motorists and motorcyclists were also seen busy conveying passengers to and from their various destinations.
Security agents were also seen patrolling major streets, protecting critical state and national assets.
“We have no issue with anybody as the people are going about their activities lawfully,” a security source who sought anonymity said along Ahmadu Bello Way, Kaduna.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Government said unverified processions were not permitted in the state for reasons of public safety and security.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan, gave the warning in a statement issued on Saturday in Kaduna.
Aruwan said, ”Criminals disguising as protesters will not get chance to unleash terror, loot properties, Kaduna Security Council warns.
The Kaduna State Security Council under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, has reviewed the present security situation arising from the existing 6 pm to 8 am curfew, and other issues pertaining to public safety.
“Based on this review, the security council hereby announces that criminal elements disguising as protesters, with the intent to generate unrest in the state, will not be spared.”
He said the council recognised the fundamental rights of the citizens to freedom of expression, lawful assembly and other constitutional rights enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as amended.
Aruwan added that nevertheless, the security forces cannot permit a situation wherein criminals masquerade as protesters to loot and vandalise public, and private properties and unleash terror on innocent citizens as experienced on Aug 1- 5.
According to him, processions not verified and cleared by the security agencies, therefore, remained prohibited in the light of the public security considerations highlighted.
“The ugly events of Aug 1 to 5, are clear indicators that criminals are pursuing an agenda to plunge the state into chaos, and are ready to camouflage these designs with otherwise genuine protests.
“Available intelligence from the reviewed period also shows the grim focus of these forces in herding children and impressionable individuals into their dark schemes.
“The consequences of these plans, if allowed to flourish, are better imagined. The Kaduna State Government and security forces will not stand by and allow an anti-state agenda to run unchecked, ” Aruwan said.
He said it was worth reiterating that criminals masquerading as protesters would not be permitted to wreak havoc.
“Finally, the citizens are enjoined to continue to observe the 6 pm to 8 am curfew and report any incendiary activity to the Security Operations Room on: 0903 400 0060, 0817 018 9999,“ Aruwan said
In Kafanchan, there was no sign of any protest as the residents went about their normal activities.
However, security operatives were stationed in strategic locations in and around the town.
In Zaria, people were also seen going about their normal businesses as there was no presence or any activities of the protest.
There was also the presence of security personnel at strategic locations within the metropolis.
However, the increased number of security personnel at the PZ area was due to the passing out parade at the Nigeria Military School.
It was also observed that some of the residents had gathered to offer special prayers at the Palladam area against the cessation of rain (drought) being experienced in the area.
In Kano, some of the residents of Kano metropolitan local government areas have expressed their decision not to participate again in any form of protests in the state.
Alhaji Abdulkadir Yakubu of Chiranchi area, Gwale LGA, stated that he has instructed members of his immediate family and those close to him to ignore the protesters’ calls and shun them.
Hajiya Binta Ishaku of Fagge Local Government Area called for increased deployment of military personnel in the metropolis to protect shops and businesses from looters.
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