By Abdullahi Yusuf
Kano is now calm, following Thursday’s anti-hunger protests that snowballed into violence and massive looting of public properties across the state capital.
The mayhem which was perpetrated by hoodlums during the riots brought all human activities virtually to a standstill as law abiding residents retreated to their houses to escape the violence.
The situation compelled Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to impose a 24-hour curfew on the state to prevent further escalation of the madness and protect lives and property.
“As the Chairman of the State Security Council and by the powers vested in me by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,I hereby impose a 24-hour curfew on the state to check the wanton attacks on innocent people and looting of public and private properties by hoodlums,” the Governor said.
Checks around the city this morning observed a total compliance of the curfew as streets of the commercial city remained deserted, while security operatives are patrolling the roads.
Markets,banks, filling stations, eating joints as well as shopping malls too, remain closed,in compliance with the curfew.
Only people on essential services such as medical personnel and media professionals are allowed free movement in the city by the security operatives.
The security operatives are, however, expected to allow Muslim faithful to attend Friday prayers in the various Mosques across the ancient city.