Protests Live Update: Kano, Borno, Yobe declare curfew

Federal Capital Territory FCT Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike on Thursday evening summoned an emergency security meeting, apparently to review activities of the #EndBadGovernance protesters on the first day of the nationwide protests.

Wike had earlier in the day commended the protesters for being nonviolent.

However, reports of violence emerged later in the evening when some elements took over the ever-busy Murtala Muhammed (Kubwa) Expressway, setting bonfires, erecting blockades and extorting motorists.

As of 6:45pm, the FCT Security Council meeting was still on.

The governments of Kano, Borno, and Yobe states have declared curfew, as the protests that began across Nigeria degenerated into violence in some areas.

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano declared a 24-hour curfew in the state with immediate effect.

The governor announced this while addressing newsmen at the Kano State government house.

He said the action became imperative to ensure full protection of lives and properties in the state as hoodlums and thugs had hijacked the protest to embark on looting and indiscriminate killing of innocent citizens.

Yobe

In Yobe State, the government imposed a 24-hour curfew in Potiskum, Gashua, and Nguru towns, where some hoodlums took advantage of the protest to vandalise and loot properties.

Dairy Abdulsalam, the Special Adviser to Governor Mai Mala Buni on Security Matters, urged the public to abide by the curfew order.

He urged them to stay at home for peace to reign in the affected 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.

Borno

In Borno State, a 24-hour curfew was imposed across the state.

A suicide bomber had rocked Kawuri Village in Konduga Local Government Area, killing 16 people and injuring 20 others.

According to a statement by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Kenneth Daso, “In line with our constitutional mandate towards the restoration of law and order, the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umar Zulum, in consultation with heads of security in the state, finds it expedient to declare 24 hours curfew in the state with immediate effect.

“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,” he said.

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As the planned nationwide protest against hunger begins today, the organisers and the police, the lead security agency, have held their positions as the former insisted on a street procession, while the latter maintained its stance of having the protest confined to designated spots.

Vanguard will keep you updated with live coverage of the protest with stories, pictures, and videos. Stay with us.

Source: The Vanguard