Residents of Gonin-Gora, located in the troubled Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, took to the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway on Thursday, barricading the road in protest against the recent abduction of several individuals in the area.
According to reports, the protest, which aimed to draw attention to the incessant attacks by bandits, saw residents demanding immediate action from the government to address the security challenges plaguing their community.
The swift deployment of the Joint Task Force of security operatives helped ease traffic congestion caused by the protest. However, some residents, gripped by fear of further attacks, opted to flee the community.
Responding to the protest, the state government cautioned against citizens taking the law into their own hands by obstructing roads and harassing fellow Nigerians.
In a statement, Samuel Aruwan, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, warned against the blockade of public roads and the harassment of innocent citizens. He emphasized the rights of individuals to travel freely and access public utilities without hindrance.
He said, “The Kaduna State Security Council has warned against blockage of public roads and harassment of innocent citizens by persons conducting protests.
“This follows the blockage of the Gonin Gora axis of the Kaduna-Abuja Road by some protesters on Thursday morning, in response to reports of a bandit attack in Unguwan Auta of Gonin Gora general area, Chikun LGA, thus denying commuters access through the route.
“The members of the Security Council, comprising the Commissioner of Police, Audu Ali; Director of Department of State Services, Abdul Adamu Eneche; Garrison Commander, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Muhammad Kana; and the Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, in the company of security forces, dismantled the roadblocks erected and subsequently opened up the road for use by motorists.
“The members of the Kaduna State Security Council while interacting with community leaders, expressed dissatisfaction with the menace of blocking roads, a situation which infringes on the rights of citizens and travelers using these roads and other public utilities.
“As of the time of this security update, citizens and motorists are plying the Gonin Gora axis of Kaduna-Abuja Road without obstruction.”
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