Updated: Kano, Yobe, Katsina, Borno declare 24-hour curfews over violent protest in Nigeria

*’We are deeply concerned by the turn of events and are taking all necessary measures to restore order. I urge all residents to remain indoors as security agencies work to enforce the curfew,’ says Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Following the violence and destruction of property in the wake of the nationwide protest Thursday, Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has declared a 24-hour curfew across the Northern state.

Governor Yusuf stated: “We are deeply concerned by the turn of events and are taking all necessary measures to restore order. I urge all residents to remain indoors as security agencies work to enforce the curfew.”

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State

The Kano State Police Command said it had begun cracking down on those responsible for the looting and arson.

Abdullahi Kiyawa, Police Spokesman in Kano State, announced on his verified Facebook page that several arrests had been made, and the Command had recovered stolen items from the rioters.

“We are committed to bringing the perpetrators of these criminal acts to justice. The safety and security of our citizens and property remain our top priority,” Kiyawa said.

The protests, which started as “a peaceful demonstration” against worsening economic conditions, have taken a violent turn in several cities across the nation.

In several areas in Nigeria, protesters have clashed with security forces, leading to casualties and widespread damage to public and private property.

Curfews in Borno, Katsina and Yobe

Reports indicate about three other states of the Federation have declared curfew with a view to dousing tension induced by the nationwide protest.

In Yobe, the State Government imposed a curfew on Potiskum, Gashua and Nguru Local Government Areas after hoodlums reportedly took advantage of the demonstration to vandalise and loot government and private property.

Brig-Gen. Dahiru Abdussallam (Rtd), Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, in a statement said: “The state government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Potiskum, Gashua and Nguru.

“The public is at this moment advised to abide by the curfew order and stay at home for peace to reign in these areas and the state at large.”

Likewise, the Borno State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew in response to a suicide attack that killed 16 people in Kauri, a village in Konduga Local Government Area.

Prof. Usman Tar, Honourable Commissioner for Information and Internal Security in Borno State, announced the curfew Thursday during a press conference at the Government House.

Tar said: “Some people came out to protest, and on the eve of this protest, Boko Haram attacked a village called Malari near Konduga LGA, where 16 people lost their lives and over 20 people are still receiving treatment at Specialists Hospital Maiduguri.”

The Commissioner also stressed the state government’s concern about the risk of violence infiltration by non-state actors, which has already manifested.

He also noted: “To avert future occurrences, the Borno State government has taken firm decisions to impose a curfew.”

A bomb explosion at a local tea joint in the state on the eve of the nationwide protest. While sources indicated that 19 persons were killed, the police confirmed 16 casualties.

Malam Faruq Lawal, Acting Governor of Katsina State, has also declared a 24-hour curfew in Dutsin-Ma LGA and 7p.m. to 7a.m. in the remaining 33 LGAs.

Lawal also banned any kind of protests across the state, saying the decision was to ensure peace and order across the North-West state in Nigeria, report said.