Kaduna Govt dares students over plans to block Kaduna-Abuja highway
The Kaduna state government has urged the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to halt its plan to block the Kaduna-Abuja Highway, noting that the move was unacceptable and will be resisted.
NANS had given the notice to block the Kaduna-Abuja Highway at Gonin Gora on Wednesday in protest against the continuous ASUU strike which has kept students in limbo at home for six months.
The students’ body had on Monday blocked the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos forcing travelers to trek for kilometers to connect transport to their destination, but the Kaduna state government said a repeat of the such move will not be accepted in Kaduna, even as security agencies have been tasked to ensure enforcement.
According to Kaduna state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan said such a move could lead to a breakdown of law and order in the sensitive state and will not be allowed.
“The Kaduna state government wishes to remind members of the general public that any move to block the Kaduna-Abuja Road (or any routes) in order to express dissatisfaction, is unacceptable and a prelude to a breakdown of law and order.
“By this notice, individuals or groups planning to restrict citizens’ movements are advised to desist in the interest of public peace. While the Kaduna state government is not depriving citizens of the right to express discontent, public security and safety must always be the foremost consideration.
“The danger of barricading a strategic route like the Kaduna-Abuja Road is better appreciated within the context of ongoing security operations covering the route, and other areas of interest. Keen attention must also be given to the possibility of certain gatherings degenerating into violence.
“Citizens are therefore strongly advised against participating in such processions, particularly those which will impact the normal socio-economic activities of other citizens, or expose lives to unnecessary danger.
“Citizens may kindly be reminded that collective security should remain the first and most important consideration at all times. Individuals, unions, and other groups are therefore urged to note this advisory for strict compliance,” Aruwan said.
