Protests: Kano government relaxes curfew

The Kano State Government has decided to relax the 24-hour curfew initially imposed following the violence that erupted during the #EndBadGovernance protests. 

Baba Dantiye, the Commissioner for Information, announced the relaxation in an audio message sent to Channels Television on Saturday. The curfew will now be relaxed from 8 AM to 2 PM, starting Sunday, August 4.

“Having reviewed the curfew and worried by the situation the people have gotten in as a result of the curfew, His Excellency has directed that the curfew be relaxed now from 8 AM, tomorrow Sunday, August 4 to 2 PM respectively,” Dantiye stated.

He reiterated the government’s dedication to safeguarding the lives and properties of Kano residents, emphasizing that the initial 24-hour curfew was imposed to ensure security.

“The government is concerned about the security of lives and properties, that was why a curfew was imposed for 24 hours. This will continue, and the situation will continue to be reviewed. When the security situation improves, the decision will be taken a further review. I hope the people will comply,” he added.

The decision to relax the curfew aims to allow residents to attend to their daily activities within the specified timeframe. The commissioner also conveyed Governor Abba Yusuf’s condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and those who suffered property losses during the protests.

“The governor extends his condolences to the families of the people that lost their loved ones and those that lost their properties in the few days of protests that were hijacked by hoodlums,” Dantiye said.

He expressed gratitude to the residents for their cooperation and adherence to the government’s directives. Governor Yusuf had imposed the 24-hour curfew on Thursday after the #EndBadGovernance protests turned violent. The 10-day protest against bad governance and economic hardship began in multiple states across the nation.

During the protests, hoodlums attacked and looted both public and private properties in Kano, including the newly constructed Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) Industrial Park, which was set ablaze. The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centre was scheduled for commissioning next week. Some youths were seen stealing desktop computers, chairs, keyboards, and other appliances from the centre.

The Kano State Police Command reported the arrest of about 269 suspects involved in the looting of public properties during the protests.