DSS arrests protest leaders in Katsina

The Department of State Services (DSS) has detained the leaders of the nationwide protest against bad governance in Katsina State.

Vanguard reported that Kabir Shehu Yandaki and Habibu Ruma, leaders of the “Struggle for Good Governance” protest, were invited to the DSS office in Katsina and subsequently detained. Additionally, Mujittapha Usman, who led the protest in Malumfashi Local Government Area, was also arrested by security forces.

According to sources close to the detainees, the DSS contacted Yandaki and Ruma by phone earlier in the morning, requesting their presence at the DSS office to answer questions about the previous day’s protest. Upon arriving at the Katsina DSS headquarters, they were detained and have not been released as of the time of this report.

It was reported earlier that what started as a peaceful protest turned chaotic when a disorderly mob, including many minors, took to the streets in the state capital. The mob wielded sticks and leaves, chanting “Bamuyi Bamuyi” and causing destruction to public facilities. Among the damages, the protesters burnt down an NSCDC patrol vehicle and razed the All Progressive Congress office in Dutsinma LGA.

In response to the unrest, the Katsina State Government imposed a 24-hour curfew on the Dutsinma Local Government Area and a 7pm to 7am curfew on the remaining 34 LGAs of the state.