By Milcah Tanimu
The Kaduna State Police have detained 25 individuals following the disruption of the End Bad Governance protest by violent elements. These miscreants seized the opportunity to vandalize government, private, and police properties during the first day of demonstrations.
Among those arrested were individuals in police camouflage and others carrying dangerous weapons. Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Ali Dabigi, has called on parents and guardians to prevent their children from engaging in violent acts and assured that police will enforce strict measures to maintain order.
The protest, initially intended to address issues of governance and economic hardship, quickly turned chaotic. In Kaduna, miscreants targeted the Kaduna State Government House, resulting in injuries to two police officers and damage to police vehicles. They also attacked the office of the Kaduna State Traffic Law Enforcement Agency (KASTLEA), setting fire to the building and other state facilities.
According to ASP Mansir Hassan, the violence was orchestrated by hoodlums who took advantage of the protest to wreak havoc. He noted that the individuals attempted to gain access to the Government House, damaged police armored vehicles, and caused significant destruction to state property.
Police have recovered various weapons, including scissors, jack knives, and live ammunition, from the suspects. Despite guidance from the Inspector General of Police to coordinate protests with local authorities for a peaceful outcome, no such coordination was reported in Kaduna.
CP Dabigi emphasized the need for community support to prevent further disruptions and warned that violent protests will be met with serious consequences. The police are committed to upholding public safety and responding firmly to any threats to peace.
