Businesses in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, have been grounded following the imposition of a 24 hour curfew in the area.
The curfew was imposed on Monday by Jema’a Local Government Council to forestall destruction of lives and property following a protest by youths in the area.
Barely a few hours after the imposition of the curfew, normal human and vehicular movements as well as business premises were shut down.
The Interim Chairman of the council, Dr Bege Katuka, told NAN that the situation would last until the security situation improved.
“We want to ensure that relative calm was completely restored and unnecessary tension averted before a review of the curfew would be considered.
“We will continue to plead with especially our youths to conduct themselves within the provisions of the law and to not to engage in criminality,” he said.
Katuka assured that adequate security had been mobilised to ensure normalcy returned to the area.
Meanwhile, residents of Kafanchan have decried the imposition of the curfew, describing the situation as unpleasant.
Mrs Joy Abun, a civil servant, said it was regrettable that the development was barely a few days before the Christmas festivity.
“This is when families get together with their loved ones and cook forward to the seasonal celebration, but with this ugly situation our people may not want to come home for the Christmas,” she said.
Also, Mr Charles Briggs, a tailor who lamented the development, said he had assured his numerous customers of their clothes before the Christmas festivity.
“Eventually, I may disappoint many of my customers as I may not be able to meet up with their demand,” he said.
Mr Gabriel Silas, a relaxation spot operator, told NAN that he immediately had to turn down his customers and close his premises in compliance with the government directives.
“When incidences like this occur, our losses are usually unimaginable,” he lamented.
NAN reports that the residents had ensured a total compliance of the curfew as they remained indoors.
(Source: NAN)