Protest: Kaduna Gov Blames External forces For Outbreak Of Violence

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani has blamed what he called external influences as being responsible for the outbreak of violence, following renewed protest in the state on Monday.

The protest which had hitherto been peaceful across the state, on Monday turned violent with protesters regrouping and marching through the major streets of Kaduna metropolis waving the Russian flag.

The development forced the state government to impose a 24-hour curfew on Kaduna metropolis and Zaria city on Monday. Meanwhile, while assessing the security situation yesterday, the state Governor Uba Sani expressed concern over the innocent citizens affected, including those who could not earn a living or go to the market due to the curfew imposed by the government.

The governor disclosed that the involvement of children aged 9-14 waving flags of another country shows that they are being influenced by external forces.

Sani said the development was a deliberate at – tempt to create anarchy, taking advantage of the psychology of the children and the cultural closeness to neighbouring countries like Niger Republic.

He dismissed the notion that the protests were about bad governance or hunger, suggesting that initial genuine protesters were hijacked by sponsored elements exploiting uneducated and underage children.

The governor, however, commended the security agencies for their professional conduct and handling of the situation, allowing underage children to climb on police vehicles without resorting to force.