From Mustapha Adamu, Kano
Kano state Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf has announced the imposition of 24-hour curfew in the state.
The curfew is following the breakdown of law and order that resulted to looting and destruction of properties by hoodlums who took advantage of the nationwide protest against hunger on Thursday.
Announcing the curfew at a press conference in Kano on Thursday, Mr Yusuf said the protest, which was supposed to be peaceful as enshrined in the constitution, had turned out to be violent, saying that the government would not condone that acts.
“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.
“These hoodlums have 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 and by enemies of the State who have been reported to the security agencies 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” he declared.
The governor further appealed to citizens to remain law abiding because “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” he stated.
“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” he said.
Finally, the governor directed all security agencies in the state to ensure full and immediate compliance of the curfew.
