Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has imposed a 24 hours curfew in the state in a bid to check the breakdown of law and order following incidents of looting recorded during the ongoing protest.
The governor who addressed the media after an emergency meeting with heads of security agencies, said, “It is with heavy hearts that I address you today regarding the unfortunate events in the names of protests, which was hijacked by hoodlums.
“We organized a stakeholders meeting with traditional leaders, including the four Emir’s of Karaye, Rano, Karaye and Gaya, including Kano, to ensure that we dialogue with the organizers.”
He said during the meeting, he acknowledged that protest is a constitutional right but urged the organizers to conduct themselves in an orderly manner with a promise to receive their message and forward same to President Bola Tinubu.
“Our goal was to facilitate a peaceful dialogue with the protesters, and in the morning I received the protesters and received their message.
“While I commend those who conducted themselves peacefully, however the protest was hijacked by thugs and hoodlums who went on looting properties and maiming innocent lives, aided by the enemies of the state,” Yusuf added.
According to the governor, his administration has already reported those suspected of sponsoring the hoodlums to the security agencies.
He eventually announced that, at the emergency security meeting, it was agreed that a 24 hours curfew be put in place until peace and tranquility returns to the state.
“Under the provisions of the Constitution and the powers vested in me as the Governor of Kano, I hereby order a 24 hours curfew in and around the state, till peace is returned,” he said.
The governor confirmed that some persons were reportedly killed during the protest, while some thugs went on rampage, breaking into shops and houses to loot properties.