Children in Kaduna have now turned some of the streets in the metropolis to football pitches because of the curfew in the area.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the children, whose ages range from seven to 15, are seen in parts of the metropolis playing soccer on the empty roads.
In some areas, friendly marches between children of neighbouring streets are played while elderly persons sit in front of their houses and watch with admiration.
Following the enforcement of the 24-hour curfew on Sunday, schools, including primary and post primary schools, Islamic and tertiary institutions were closed.
“We have nothing doing, we cannot go to schools, we are tired of staying indoors,'' some of the children participating in the game on the Taiwo Road, told NAN on Friday.
Maiashafa Khalid, one of the adults watching the children, said the children's game was an indication that peace was gradually returning to the state capital.
“Everybody has been staying indoors in the past five days because of the fear of the unknown. This is an indication that the decision taken by the government to impose curfew has started yielding results.
“That's why the kids confidently came out to use the streets as football pitches.''
Ibrahim Audu of Hayin Banki area of Kaduna, appealed to people to further cooperate with security agencies for peace to return and for the children to go back to school.
NAN reports that Police helicopters are hovering over the city while armoured vehicles have been stationed at strategic places.
Security personnel were also stationed at public and commercial places to monitor any strange movement.
Meanwhile, the 24-hour curfew imposed on the state has been relaxed by four hours on Friday, June 22 and Sunday, June 24.
The four-hour respite is to enable the Muslims to observe their Juma’at prayers on Friday and for Christians to attend church services on Sunday. (NAN)