Kaduna- Recreation parks in Kaduna metropolis witnessed low patronage during the ongoing festive period, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports on Friday.
A NAN correspondent who went round the city reports that this could be a result of the state’s security situation and presence of security officials at various areas within the state.
In many areas of the city, the Christmas celebration was marked in low key fashion, with the usually busy roads deserted.
Only few people were seen patronising the popular Hassan Usman Katsina Park at the Gamji Gate, which used to be filled with families, especially children, during the festivity periods.
A resident, Mrs Justina Daudu, explained that the low patronage was due to the fear of the security situation in the state and some parts of the country.
“A lot of people are scared of any bomb explosion which may occur, and that is why most of them decided to stay back in their houses on such a celebrated day like this,’’ she said.
NAN also observed that shops and businesses at the Hassan Katsina Park premises were shut down.
Another respondent, Mr Yohana David, told NAN that business in the park had been shut down.
“This premises used to be a very busy place, where people do a lot of buying and selling of roasted meat and fish.
“Also, various commercial photographers are always available during the festivities season at this same premises to make some quick money. But this time, it is not business as usual,’’ he said.
At another park, located close to the Government House, Pixy Dixy, the patronage was worse than that of Gamji Park.
Only few kids and families where seen around, while one security van parked at the entrance with the personnel embarking on the regular checking at the gate.(NAN)
