Kaduna LG poll: Vehicles on highways as residents defy movement restrictions

Kaduna residents on Saturday defied the movement restrictions imposed by the state government as local government election held in the state.

The state government, through the office of the overseeing Commissioner of the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, had issued a statement on Friday, restricting movement from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday.

The restriction was aimed at ensuring peaceful and orderly conduct of the election.

According to the government, only individuals performing essential duties are exempt from this restriction and can move during this period with proper identification and clearance.

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However, our correspondents, who surveyed the metropolis, reported that despite the restriction order, some residents, particularly Keke NAPEP operators and commercial okada riders, were seen going about their normal activities along major highways like Ahmadu Bello Way and Ali Akilu Way.

Security agencies deployed on the roads were observed on Ali Akilu Road within the metropolis conducting stop-and-search operations, although they did not arrest any violators.

It was also noted that some mechanic garages remained open for business in some of the communities despite the restriction order.

A resident, Adamu Hassan, who visited Mugadishu Layout Market, told Daily Trust that food vendors were also operating.

“Some traders opened for business because I just bought gari at the market, and I saw women moving freely,” he said.