The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested 39 suspects in connection with inciting violence, displaying Russian and Chinese flags as well as vandalising public and private property in various parts of the state capital.
The suspects included the tailor who produced the Russian and Chinese flags for the protesters.
According to the spokesman of the Kaduna State Police Command, Mansir Hassan, the suspects exploited the #EndBadGovernance protest and unleashed violence against innocent residents.
He listed some of the damaged properties by the hoodlums including a Hilux vehicle belonging to the Kaduna State Vigilance Service, a car belonging to a journalist, a new generation bank at Tudun Wada in Kaduna South local government, and the Zonal office of the Kaduna Traffic law Enforcement Agency in Zaria.
Hassan said when the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, intervened to restore order, the suspects became hostile and resorted to using stones, catapults, and other weapons.
However, the police managed to calm the situation with the minimal use of tear gas.
The police authorities said 38 Russian flags, one Chinese flag, two catapults with a bag of stones, and various vandalized items were also recovered from the suspects.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Ali Dabigi, has issued a stern warning to all residents to adhere to the 24-hour curfew imposed on Kaduna and Zaria Metropolitan Cities.
He also vowed that violators would face arrest and prosecution by the law and appealed to the citizens to cooperate with the Police and other Security Agencies during this critical period.
“The curfew is in place to protect lives and property and ensure the swift restoration of peace in Kaduna State,” the CP said.