- Katsina State Government implemented a curfew in all the LGA areas of the state
- The state government made the decision following the state's breakdown of law and order during the nationwide protest
- Security agencies were instructed to arrest anyone found violating orders
The Katsina State Government has implemented a 24-hour curfew in the Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area due to increasing violence during the nationwide hunger protests.
A 7 pm to 7 am curfew was also declared for the other 33 Local Government Areas of the state.
This was disclosed by Abubakar Sadiq, the state Police Public Relations Officer on Friday, August 2, following the call for an Emergency State Security Council meeting to discuss the state's breakdown of law and order during the demonstration.
Katsina government imposes curfew in LG Areas
He said, “The 24-hour curfew in Dutsinma Local Government Area is necessary to ensure public safety and prevent further escalation of violence, vandalism, and looting of public and private properties, while the 7pm to 7am curfew in the rest of the state is aimed at preventing nocturnal criminal activities and maintaining law and order throughout the state”.
The state bans unusual gatherings and protest
Acting Governor Malam Faruk Jobe, in a statement released by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Abdullahi Garba Faskari, also announced a statewide ban on all unusual gatherings and protests.
Residents were encouraged by the acting governor to continue their activities within the designated safe periods, as security agencies were instructed to arrest anyone found violating these orders.
“The acting governor had earlier received a group of Civil Society Organizations who were on a peaceful demonstration at the Government House and pledged to deliver their messages to the appropriate authority,”
“However, later government received reports that some miscreants had hijacked the protest and unleashed their ulterior motives of shopbreaking, looting, and vandalisation of public and private properties,”
"The government deemed these measures necessary to protect lives and property while reminding the public to remain calm and law-abiding,” Garba stated.
Protesters allegedly loot industrial park in Kano, netizens react
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that protesters looted the yet-to-be-commissioned Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) digital innovation industrial park in Kano State.
Nigerians reacted by condemning their actions, while some believed that the government hired the looters.