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Protests: Cautious optimism as normalcy returns to Kaduna, Kano, Katsina

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There is cautious optimism as normalcy is gradually returning to Kaduna, Kano and Katsina States in the wake up of the nationwide #endbadgovernance protests that began on Thursday.

A Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that monitored the situation in Kaduna city and its environs on Monday reports that there were vehicular movements, with scores of passengers seen en route their various offices and commercial premises.
At the Federal Secretariat, Kawo-Kaduna, NAN learnt that only janitors and security staffers were met as at 9:08am.
“No worker has reported as of now. This may be due to the situation in the country, but I am not sure.
“Maybe they will come later but I am not authorised to speak to the press,” an anonymous source told NAN at the secretariat.
It was also observed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and majority of the commercial banks have opened for business.
However, some customers were seen grudgingly discussing in groups in front of the gate of one of the banks that has not opened for business.
However, ATM outlets were operating, with several customers seen patronising them.
Similarly, security operatives were seen patrolling the streets of the city and its environs, with some of them stationed in strategic locations, armed to the teeth.
A combined team of the military and other security personnel were also seen keeping vigil in all the roads leading to the Government House, Kaduna.
NAN recalls that some irate youths had on Thursday attempted to forcefully gain access into the government house on Thursday.
It was alleged that one person had consequently lost his life in the ensuing altercation between the youths and the security agents.
The Kaduna State Police Command,however, denied the allegation, insisting that nobody lost his life.
In Kano State, the residents were  adhering to the recently imposed curfew, which now runs from 8am to 2pm, marking a significant shift from the previously enforced 24-hour curfew.
This adjustment has contributed to a notable improvement in the security situation in the area.
Meanwhile, the Katsina State Police Command has reiterated that the government’s ban on all forms of protest, unlawful assembly and curfew throughout the state was still in force.
This is contained in a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Abubakar Aliyu, on Monday in Katsina.
He said: “The 24-hour curfew enforced on Dutsinma LGA and 12 hours from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. in the remaining 33 LGAs of the state, is still in force.
“This measure is aimed at preventing further escalation of violence, vandalism, looting of private and public property, and at maintaining public safety and security.”
Aliyu said that the command remained committed to enforcing the ban while ensuring that peace and order would soon be fully restored across the state.
“We are calling on the good people of Katsina State to continue to cooperate with the command as well as other security agencies in this effort.
“Your understanding and compliance are crucial to maintaining the safety and security of the state.
“We are calling on the parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against engaging in acts that are in conflict with the law, and to encourage them to remain law-abiding citizens,” he said.
Aliyu added that the police were urging the public to remain calm and go about their lawful activities within the confines of the law.
“We will not hesitate to take decisive action against anyone who violates this ban.
” Let us work together to ensure peace and stability in Katsina State,” he said
NAN reports that normal business activities have already continued in Katsina metropolis and other places.
The residents were undertaking their lawful activities in all the 33 LGAs with the exception of Dutsin-ma where a 24-hour curfew was still in force.(NAN)
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National

JUST IN: IGP Withdraws Invitation to Sanusi

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The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has withdrawn the invitation extended to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi.

The police chief, however, directed the Kano State command of the force to obtain the monarch’s statement in the State regarding the incident.

Egbetokun, who gave the directive through the spokesman of the police, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the withdrawal became imperative following the intervention of some stakeholders in the country.

The top cop also said his resolve was in line with the police’s commitment to ensuring that policing actions are not politicized or misinterpreted.

Details shortly…

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Unity and Accurate Reporting Essential to End Plateau Violence, Says NSA

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Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), has called on communities in Plateau to take proactive steps towards restoring peace, asserting that it is time to collectively declare an end to the ongoing violence that has plagued the state for many years.

During a condolence visit to Jos on Sunday, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ribadu expressed the president’s profound sorrow regarding the recent attacks in Bokkos Local Government Area, which resulted in numerous fatalities and the displacement of families.

“On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I am here to convey his heartfelt condolences to the people of Plateau in light of the recent crisis we have experienced,” he stated.

While acknowledging the prompt actions taken by security forces, the NSA emphasized that achieving lasting peace requires more than just military intervention. He urged residents, who have coexisted for generations, to engage in dialogue, foster unity, and seek reconciliation.

Ribadu noted that while the frequency of attacks has diminished compared to previous years, unresolved tensions still create opportunities for criminal activities.

“Our security forces are performing admirably. However, our communities have the potential to do even better. It is time to declare that enough is enough. When individuals within the same community fail to resolve their issues peacefully, criminals exploit the situation, leading to crises that escalate rapidly,” he cautioned.

He assured that both federal and state governments are collaborating closely to stabilize the region and praised Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for the visible improvements in the area’s security landscape.

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“The federal government is committed, and the state government is actively engaged. The governor’s efforts have been commendable, contributing to the relative improvements we are witnessing,” he remarked.

Discussing the challenge of misinformation, Ribadu urged the media to refrain from disseminating unverified or exaggerated casualty figures, warning that such reports could exacerbate already volatile situations.

“While we have mourned many losses, the figures circulating may not accurately reflect the reality. Nonetheless, every life lost is significant. We urge the media to ensure the accuracy of their reports. Truthful reporting is crucial for our collective healing and for maintaining peace and security,” he asserted.

He underscored that sustainable development hinges on peace, describing it as the cornerstone of progress. Despite Plateau experiencing recurring violence for over two decades, Ribadu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending the cycle of bloodshed.

“Without peace, nothing functions—there can be no progress, growth, development, education, or health. The president has made it clear: enough is enough. This cycle must end. We are committed to amplifying our efforts to achieve greater improvements,” he concluded.

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Tinubu vows severe punishment for Plateau attackers, condoles victims family

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President Bola Tinubu has promised that the gunmen who killed many people in communities in Plateau State will be apprehended and face severe punishment under the law.

The President extended his condolences to the families of the victims in Ruwi, Hurti, and Tadai communities in Bokkos Local Government and those from Manguna and Dafo villages, where the gunmen launched brutal attacks, resulting in the loss of lives and the destruction of properties.

President Tinubu in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, also commiserated with the Government of Plateau State and Governor Caleb Mutfwang.

He urged the affected communities to cooperate with the authorities and security agencies by volunteering information to catch the perpetrators and secure their communities.

He assured Governor Mutfwang of his support in ending this spate of wanton bloodletting on the Plateau.

He directed the National Emergency Management Agency to work with state authorities to provide necessary support to the victims and bring immediate relief to the affected communities and those wounded during the attacks. NEMA will work closely with the state to ensure that affected communities rebuild and recover.

The President stated: “The report of another violent attack in communities in Plateau State by mindless gunmen saddens me. The latest attacks on defenceless citizens are unacceptable. I have directed security agencies to hunt down the attackers, and they will face severe punishment when apprehended. These intermittent attacks should have no place in our country at a time when we are working so hard to restore peace and order in all parts of our country. This unfortunate incident will never dampen and slow us down in our duty to protect every Nigerian citizen. Instead, we will work harder to exterminate forces of evil wherever they are lurking in our country.

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“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families and all those affected by this senseless violence.  No community should have to endure such tragedy. We all must unite to foster peace and stability. I urge all citizens—regardless of ethnic, religious, or political affiliations—to uphold the shared humanity that binds us all, embrace peace and reject retaliation.”

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