ASUU strike: El-Rufai warns students against plans to block Kaduna-Abuja road

The Kaduna State Government, on Tuesday, warned groups, individuals or associations against plans to block the Kaduna-Abuja road.

There are unconfirmed reports that the Nigerian university students under the aegis of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), may extend their protest to Kaduna, through some of their representatives, by blocking Kaduna-Abuja road over failure of the government to resolve lingering ASUU strike.

However, the Kaduna State Government described such move or plan as unacceptable and, therefore, warned residents of the state to desist from such move.

Samuel Aruwan Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, in a statement on Tuesday, ordered security agencies to beef up and ensure that no individual or group make such a move, as an attempt to do so in the fragile state may easily lead to a breakdown of law and order.

“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 breakdown of law and order,” he said

According to him, any individuals or groups planning to restrict citizens’ movements are advised to desist in the interest of public peace.

It said although the state government would never deprive her citizens the right to express discontent, public security and safety must always be given the foremost consideration, adding that 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.

He warned that keen attention must also be given to the possibility of certain gatherings degenerating into violence, even as he 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.

He reminded the citizens of collective security to be the first and most important consideration at all times, urging individuals, unions and other groups to ensure strict compliance to laws and order.