By Aisha Gambo
Some business owners in Kaduna metropolis have commended the Kaduna State Government for reviewing the 24-hour curfew imposed on Kaduna and Zaria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state government had on Monday declared a curfew on the two cities sequel to the hijacking of the #endbadgovernance nationwide protests.
NAN also reports that the state government had reviewed the curfew from 24 hours to 14 hours.
NAN further reports that the curfew would now take effect from 6 p.m to 8 a.m daily, to allow the citizens to move freely and carry out their legitimate activities.
The business owners told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews that the 24-hour curfew had hit them hard as they could not open their businesses.
Ibrahim Yusuf, a metal fabricator, said he was working on a project which was supposed to be collected on Tuesday but the protest and curfew delayed the completion.
“I was supposed to be paid on the day of collection, but unfortunately, I couldn’t finish the project which means I won’t be paid now.
“We thank God that normalcy is returning and we hope it’s sustained; the government should listen to the cries of the masses and the masses should be law-abiding,” he said.
Bello Dallaji, a trader, stated that patronage has increased since the curfew was relaxed.
”Customers have been trooping into my shop to buy food items and other essentials,” he excitedly said.
Dallaji said he had locked his shop since the nationwide protests began in fear of vandalism, adding that things became worse when the curfew was announced.
Similarly, Kudirat Moshood, a provisions’ shop owner, said she was able to restock her shop following the review of the curfew.
“My shop is located in a community; as such people buy from me even during the curfew, hence the need to restock.
“That is why I rushed to the market today to purchase all the items I need to satisfy my customers,”she said. (NAN)
