Katsina government imposes 24-hour curfew following protest

The Katsina State Government has declared a 24-hour curfew in Dutsinma Local Government Area in response to a breakdown of law and order amid ongoing nationwide protests.

This decision was announced by Alhaji Abdullahi Garba-Faskari, Secretary to the State Government, in a statement released on Thursday. The announcement, signed by Alhaji Abdullahi Aliyu-Yar’adua, Director of Media at the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, also included a ban on unusual gatherings and all forms of protests across the state.

The government, currently under the acting leadership of Malam Faruq Jobe, made this decision following an emergency State Security Council meeting. The meeting addressed reports of escalating disorder in certain parts of the state linked to the nationwide protests.

“Earlier, the acting governor received a group of Civil Society Organizations who were conducting a peaceful demonstration at the Government House and assured them that their messages would be conveyed to the appropriate authorities,” Garba-Faskari stated.

He added, “However, reports later indicated that some miscreants had hijacked the protest, turning it into a platform for shopbreaking, looting, and vandalizing public and private properties. Therefore, the government found it necessary to impose these measures to safeguard people’s lives and properties.”

Citizens are urged to remain calm and law-abiding as security agencies have been directed to arrest any individuals or groups violating these orders. The acting governor has appealed to the residents to continue their legitimate activities within the periods permitted for free movement.

In a related development, the Katsina State Police Command has commenced the enforcement of the curfew. ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, the police spokesperson, dismissed rumours that police personnel had used live ammunition against protesters, resulting in fatalities.

“We wish to dismiss the misinformation that police personnel shot live ammo at protesters, resulting in loss of lives. We assure the members of the public that our officers exercised the maximum level of restraint and professionalism in handling the violent protesters. There is no record of any fatalities resulting from police actions as of the time of these reports,” Sadiq-Aliyu clarified.

The Katsina State Government and the police emphasize their commitment to maintaining peace and order, urging citizens to cooperate with the imposed measures for the overall safety of the community.