Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), has announced diversion and alternative routes in Kaduna to ensure smooth passing out parade (POP) of officer cadets, slated for Saturday in Kaduna.
The diversions, Blueprint gathered, was due to heightened activities of kidnappers, banditry and other criminal activities in Kaduna and neighbouring states.
However, the situation has caused untold hardship for commuters and other roads users in Kaduna and environs.
Areas affected by the diversion and alternative routes includes Kawo – Mando – Airport roads, Kaduna Airport – Rigachukun – Kawo, Rigachikun – Kaduna Airport – Airport Roundabout – Birnin Gwari roads, among others.
A statement issued by the Academy Public Relations Officer (PRO), Major Abubakar Abdullahi, and made available to journalists on Friday in Kaduna, stated that combined POP for 66 Regular Course, Army, 67 Regular Course and 67 Regular Course (Navy and Airforce) is slated to hold on October 5, 2019.
It further stated that the POP will attract various dignitaries from across the country and beyond, adding that the special guest of honour for the event is President Muhammadu Buhari.
The release stated that, while NDA thanked the affected public for their continuous cooperation, it expressed regrets over the inconveniences that would be caused as the event.
The statement reads in part:”Consequently, Kawo – Mando – Airport road will be busy from 5am – 5pm. Road users who do not have anything to do around the NDA area are advised to use alternative routes to avoid unnecessary bottleneck.
“The alternative routes are: Kaduna Airport – Rigachukun – Kawo while passengers connecting Rigasa Railway station from Kaduna city could use Kawo – Nnamdi Azikwe byepass – Bakin Ruwa – Rigasa – Railway station. Similarly those plying Kaduna – Birnin Gwari road could use Rigachikun – Kaduna Airport -Airport Round about – Birnin Gwari Road.
“We appeal to road users to bear with the situation as all arrangements to ensure hitch free events are being put in place. We wish to remind the public that only guests with valid invitation will be allowed around NDA vicinity. Others can equally view live transmission and streaming of the parade on Nigerian Television Authority Networks and NDA social media platforms respectively.”
