On Thursday night, commercial activities were brought to a standstill in many towns of Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State due to the curfew enforced in the area.

On Tuesday, after consulting with security agents and other stakeholders, the Executive Chairman of the Local Government Council, Hon James Thomas said he was imposing a curfew in the council area to boost security.

Thomas said the curfew became imperative to curb and checkmate the security threats in the area. He explained that criminals might want to take advantage of their proximity to Abuja. He said irrespective of the relative peace being enjoyed in Karu LGA, all security measures must be taken to ensure the area continues to live in peace.

“As such, we will take this as precautionary measures from Thursday 11th August 2022 till further notice, we will enforce a curfew from 10 pm to 6 am”, he said.

Thomas further said that the curfew would restrict all movement of vehicles, closure of all cinemas, bars and joints, and all other activities in Karu LGA.

Reports have it that many business premises, including beer parlours, gardens, kiosks, supermarkets, medicine stores and other commercial activities were shut down, in compliance with the 10 pm to 6 am order. Operators of nightclubs and lounges, as well as cabs and commercial motorcyclists were also not left out in compliance.

Also in total compliance were private car owners who close late from their offices in the City centre. Those who live around Mararaba, Ado, Masaka, and environs were seen in a rush-hour movement to their respective areas.

The move caused traffic gridlock in satellite towns of Nyanya, Abacha Road, Old Karu road, Mararaba, and One-Man-Village.

The operator of one of the major lounges within the Council Area, pleaded anonymity while hailing the government for being proactive, however, recounted his losses within the period.

He said, “the government has done well by asking people to stay at home at night, but you also know that our business is night business. I can tell you what I have lost since last night, just a one-night shutdown has cost me so much. Imagine what would happen if this curfew continues. I wish the security situation gets better and we are back to our business in earnest. I can’t imagine today is Friday and we are going to lock my lounge”.

A commercial motorcyclist, who identified himself as Adamu, said he closed by 9:52 pm on Thursday, “to avoid being embarrassed by the security.