After arrest of 212 protestants, Jigawa Govt lift curfew in 19 LGAs

Fom Mika’il Tsoho , Dutse

Few hours after Jigawa state police command announced the arrest of 212 people suspected to be involved in destroying and looting public properties, the state governor Malam Umar Namadi also announced lifting curfew in 19 out of 27 local government areas in the state.

The state Commissioner of police CP. A.T Abdullahi announced the arrest while briefing newsmen on the security situation in the state and the measures they have taken to maintain law and order in the state.

CP Abdullahi added that , out of the people arrest 74 have already been charged to court on alleged destruction and breaching the public properties.

“Though the protestants did not seek any permission from the security, but we deem it necessary to give them protection but instead for the protestants to go peacefully unfortunately they turned violent attacking public places including Dutse Government House ”

” As the protest turned violent in about seven local government area of the state , the situation forced police to use minimum force to desperse the protestants for maintaining law and order”

“The combined effort of security agencies and the 24 hours curfew imposed by the state governor has contributed to the return of peace and order today in almost all over the state” CP stated

Meanwhile the Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi has approved the lifting of the curfew in 19 out of the 27 local government areas of the state after a nationwide protest turned wild into looting and destruction of properties.

The nationwide protest was hijacked by hoodlums that looted properties and destroyed properties worth billions of naira that led to the state government declaring 24-hour curfew in the state.

However, a statement by Sagir Musa Ahmed, Commissioner of Information, on Saturday said the lifting of the curfew follows the review and deliberations on the current security situation across the 27 LGAs of Jigawa State.

The statement said the curfew has been partially relaxed in 8 other local government areas of the state from 5.00 am to 6 pm pending when the security situation further improved.

The 8 LGAs include Babura, Birnin Kudu, Dutse, Gumel, Hadejia, Kazaure, Kiyawa and Roni.

According to the statement, the State Joint Security Committee completely lifted the curfew in the Nineteen (19) LGAs where there was no report of any violence during the protest.

‘’Similarly, the committee has also commended the good people of the 19 LGAs for showing patriotism and respect for the constituted authorities,’’ the statement said.

‘’Also, the committee praised the dedication and commitment of people of Giwa LGAs for cooperating with security agencies and support in confiscation of the looted prosperities from the hoodlums.’’

‘’His Excellency, Malam Umar Namadi FCA thank the good people of Jigawa State for their patience and understanding throughout the trial period. The Governor also appeals for support and prayers for peace and stability in the State and Nigeria at large.’’

‘’While, thanking the Security Agencies in the State for their professionalism, commitments and dedication throughout the period under review.’’