Three states – Borno, Yobe, and Kano have declared 24-hour curfews as end bad governance protests turned violent in Nigeria.
Prudence Journal earlier reported that Nigerians poured into the streets in major cities across the nation to protest against economic hardship despite the government’s last-minute push to prevent the demonstration.
Inflation has reached 34 per cent owing majorly to the twin policies of subsidy removal and floating of the naira. That has pushed the cost of basic items beyond the reach of millions of Nigerians.
Talks about the demonstration tagged #EndBadGovernance protest had gained momentum on social media, leading discussions among young Nigerians on digital platforms.
Authorities across the country had in the wake of calls for the protest rallied around to halt it. They warned that they might be hijacked by criminals. While they admitted to the challenges facing the nation, they urged the organisers to shelve the protest and give the government more time to address the issues raised.
But undeterred, the Take It Back Movement, one of the organisers of the protest said it was not going back on the rallies. Some of the demands of the protesters include the restoration of petrol subsidies and the forex regime. They also want the government to address food shortages, unemployment, and wasteful spending by those in power.
Others are immediate reforms of the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with renewed vigour in the fight against corrupt politicians.
However, the protest has turned violent in some states which forced authorities to declare 24-hour curfew.
Hoodlums loot government properties in Kano
Hoodlums who hijacked the protest looted the newly built Nigeria Communication Commission Industrial Park in Kano State.
The vandals targeted the Kano Information and Communication Technology Centre, just days before its scheduled launch, setting it on fire and making off with valuable equipment.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State then declared 24-hour curfew in the state.
The governor declared the curfew at a press conference held at the Government House on Thursday.
He said, “After careful consideration, we have come to terms that 24 hours curfew should be put in place to further prevent looting and vandalisation of businesses and killing of innocent citizens.”
He further direct all security agencies in the state to ensure full compliance with the directives to ensure restoration of peace in the state.
He said, “It is with a heavy heart that I address you today regarding the unfortunate events that transpired during the recent peaceful protest.
“You may recall that, yesterday the 31st July, 2024 we organized a town hall meeting with stakeholders’ religious leaders, Leaders of Business community, Traditional leaders, Academia, Technocrats, Youth and Women’s groups and Civil Society Organizations. During the meeting I acknowledged that the protest is a constitutional right.
“However, I urged the protesters to conduct themselves in a peaceful and orderly manner and I expressed my intention to receive their complaint and assured them that their grievances would be forwarded to Mr. President and Commander in Chief for possible attention. Our goal was to facilitate a constructive dialogue and address the issues raised by our fellow citizens.
“Similarly, this morning we received the representatives of the peaceful protesters where they submitted their demand in writing which I promise to deliver to Mr. President.
“While I commend the vast majority of peaceful protesters who stated their concerns responsibly, it is however, regrettable to say that, the whole protest that was meant to be a demonstration of democratic right to voice our concerns was hijacked by thugs and hoodlums who embarked on looting of business premises, government properties and maiming of innocent citizens, such miscreants have become persistent in wanton destructions of private and public properties aided by enemies of the State who have been reported to the security agencies a few days back.
“After exhaustive deliberations during Emergency State Security council meeting, it was collectively decided that 24-hour curfew should be put in place to prevent further looting and vandalization of shops including indiscriminate killing and maiming of innocent citizens.
“On this note therefore, and based on the powers conferred on me by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as the Chief Security Officer of the State, I have therefore, declared 24-hours curfew in the State with immediate effect.
“Fellow citizens, this action is made to ensure the full protection of your lives and properties as well as protecting public asset, places of worship and Business premises. As we move forward, I urge all citizens to remain vigilant and to continue working together to maintain the peace and harmony we cherish so much. Let us not allow the actions of a few selfish individuals and miscreants to divide us or detract us from our shared goals. Together, we can overcome all challenges and build a stronger, more resilient Kano State.
“All security agencies in the State are hereby directed to ensure full and immediate compliance.”
Seven buses burnt in Yobe
Seven mass transit buses were burnt in Potiskum, the headquarters of Potiskum Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The buses were set ablaze on the premises of the local government secretariat in Potiskum on Thursday.
An eyewitness said in the North-East state that some persons came in their numbers to cause mayhem but were quickly prevented by the security personnel.
The Spokesman for the Yobe State Police Command, Dungus Abdulkarim, confirmed the incident at Potiskum, saying the perpetrators will be brought to book.
The state government has now imposed a 24-hour curfew in Potiskum, Gashua, and Nguru towns where some hoodlums are taking advantage of the protest to vandalise, loot government and private properties.
Dairy Abdulsalam, the Special Adviser to Governor Mai Mala Buni on Security Matters, urged the general public to abide by the curfew order and stay at home for peace to reign in the affevy areas and the state at large.
According to him, the security agencies have been directed to ensure enforcement and full compliance of the curfew order.
The Borno State Government has also announced an immediate 24-hour curfew across the state.This is in response to the tragic detonation of an improvised explosive device in Kawori Market, Konduga area of Borno State on Wednesday night.The explosion suspected to be carried out by a Boko Haram suicide bomber resulted in the deaths of 16 individuals and critical injuries to several others.
Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, disclosed this in a Thursday press release.
Titled, “Imposition of Curfew”, the statement noted that the bomb explosion prompted Governor Babagana Zulum, to consult with top security officials before implementing this measure.
According to the statement, the curfew aims to restore law and order and ensure public safety.
It read, “In view of the constitutional mandate of the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security and law enforcement agencies toward the preservation of law and order in the state. You are all aware of the incident that took place at Kawori which was the detonation of an improvised explosive devices ordinance device which led to the death of (16) persons while several others were critically injured and on admission across various Government hospitals in the state.
“In line with our constitutional mandate towards the restoration of law and order his Excellency the Executive Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umar Zulum in consultation with heads of security in the state, finds it’s expedient to declare 24hrs curfew in the state with immediate effect.
The PPRO urged residents to stay calm and adhere to the curfew. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
“I, therefore, wish to call upon the good people of Borno State to remain calm and law-abiding. Further developments will be communicated to you accordingly, please,” it concluded.