Government Restores Telecoms Services In Kaduna, Other Measures Remain
On Sept. 29, 2021 the government of Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria announced the commencement of telecommunications shutdown across some parts of the state.
The Kaduna State Government, Northwest Nigeria has contacted the relevant federal agencies to effect the immediate restoration of telecommunication services earlier suspended in the state.
Samuel Aruwan, the state’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs made the announcement on Friday, Nov. 26 during a press conference at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, Kaduna.
Security agencies had requested the shutdown in October 2021, among other measures, to assist in the ongoing operations against terrorists known locally as bandits and other criminals.
Aruwan pointed out that “the security agencies have now notified the government that telecoms services can be restored.”
He added that, “along with the other measures in the security containment order, the telecoms shutdown had helped the security agencies to achieve some results, which the security forces will reel out soon.”
“The prolonged application of this measure was always out of the question, due to its impact on the legitimate activities of citizens and businesses.”
He, however, advised residents that the restoration of full services in the affected areas may unfold over a few days, as the service providers mobilise to power and boost their transmission systems accordingly.
“The Kaduna State Government regrets the inconveniences residents of the affected LGAs may have encountered as a result of the shutdown. The state government wishes to commend the sacrifices made by residents while this temporary measure lasted,” the commissioner said.
“Notwithstanding, the government wishes to reiterate that the other measures announced as part of the security containment orders remain in force. These include the prohibition of motorcycles all over the state, the ban on weekly markets, transportation of cattle, and the prohibition of sale of fuel in jerry cans in specified local government areas.”
The government’s measures created a scenario where terrorists demanded food for ransom.
However, despite the telecommunications shutdown in some parts as well as other measures taken, Kaduna State has witnessed multiple incidents of killings and abductions.
One of the most recent was the abduction of almost 70 worshippers at the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Kakau Daji, Chikun Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
There was also the attack on Christ The King Major Seminary, a Catholic-run seminary situated in Fayit community in Kagoma Chiefdom, Jama’a LGA.
Residents of Kafari, also in Chikun LGA told HumAngle they have witnessed two episodes of kidnappings so far between October and November 2021.
Support Our Journalism
There are millions of ordinary people affected by conflict in Africa whose stories are missing in the mainstream media. HumAngle is determined to tell those challenging and under-reported stories, hoping that the people impacted by these conflicts will find the safety and security they deserve.
To ensure that we continue to provide public service coverage, we have a small favour to ask you. We want you to be part of our journalistic endeavour by contributing a token to us.
Your donation will further promote a robust, free, and independent media.
Donate Here
