15 Nov 2018 | 10:08 AM UTC
Nigeria: Kaduna state government lifts curfew in Kaduna city /update 5
Kaduna state government lifts curfew in city of Kaduna November 13; curfews in Kachia, Kasuwan Magani, and Kujama (Kaduna state) remain in effect
Event
Kaduna state officials lifted the 24-hour curfew in effect in the city of Kaduna city and its surroundings on Tuesday, November 13. However, a nightly curfew remains in place in the Kachia local government area as well as in the Kasuwan Magani and Kujama areas from 17:00 to 06:00. Continuing transportation and business disruptions are to be expected in affected areas, as well as a heightened security presence, in the near-term. Additional intercommunal clashes, violence between militants and security forces, and protests cannot be ruled out.
Context
Kaduna state imposed an indefinite 24-hour curfew on October 21 in the city of Kaduna following ethnic clashes in Kasuwan Magani (Kaduna state) that killed 55 people on October 18.
Ethnic and sectarian clashes are common in Nigeria. Central Nigeria and adjacent areas have become the scene of almost daily clashes between farmers and the largely nomadic herders in a battle for land and resources. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom recently reported that murder rates linked to ethnic violence in Nigeria are higher than those related to terrorism - also a major security concern in the country
Advice
Individuals in Kaduna state are advised to remain vigilant, prepare for transportation and business disruptions, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
The security environment in Nigeria is complex and is particularly concerning in the northeast and extreme south of the country due to the presence of armed groups, high crime rates, and the risk of kidnapping. Some Western governments consequently advise against travel to certain areas of the northeast (e.g. states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Jigawa, and Kano states) and the southern Niger Delta region (e.g. states of Delta, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers). It is also advisable to avoid nonessential travel to Zamfara, Sokoto, Plateau, and Kaduna states. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel to these areas.
