Kaduna State government has lifted the curfew in Kaduna metropolis and its environs.
The order which takes immediate effect was announced by Samuel Aruwan, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Nasir El-Rufai on Media and Publicity.
However, the curfew is retained in some areas like Kujama, Kasuwan Magan and Kachia.
The statement by Aruwan reads in part: “However, a security review has determined that curfew hours be retained in Kujama, Kasuwan Magani and Kachia towns in the state.
“Night time curfew in Kachia is from 10 p.m. to 6a.m. For Kasuwan Magani and Kujama, the curfew remains from 5 p.m. to 6 a.m.
“The Kaduna State Security Council commends residents for upholding the peace, and urges residents to continue to cooperate with the security agencies.”
It would be recalled that the governor initially imposed a 24 hours curfew on Kaduna metropolis and environs in October, following the increasing tension in some parts.
The curfew was said to have been imposed in the interest of the state.
The religious violence which led to the curfew happened at Kasuwan Magani community in Kajuru local government area of the state.
No fewer than 55 persons were said to have died as a result of the violence.
The curfew was later relaxed after a review of the situation.
The situation was said to have improved.
“The heads of security agencies reported significant progress in restoring calm and commended residents for the peaceful manner in which they conducted themselves during the four-hour relaxation of the curfew in parts of Kaduna yesterday. The Government is grateful to our citizens for their cooperation while withstanding the unintended convenience.
“Government expects normal banking and other services to resume, and markets to open as normal as from tomorrow. The security agencies will remain vigilant and continue to protect residents. Intensive surveillance of known pockets of potential trouble is also continuing, by troops on the ground and by helicopter patrols,” government had said.
