The Jigawa State government has imposed a 24-hour curfew as the nationwide protest against hardship turned violent in the state amid fears of escalation. Governor Umar Namadi, who announced the curfew in a media broadcast, described the situation in the state as very unfortunate.
Governor Namadi stated that the protest would be relaxed between 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm to allow people to attend Friday mosque services.
He emphasized the need for the curfew to restore peace and stability, condemning the violence and destruction that had characterized the protest.
He said, “The situation in which the peaceful demonstration turned violent, characterized by destruction and looting, is totally unacceptable and it is not in our culture. Therefore, we will not allow it to continue unabated.
“To ensure the return of peace and stability, we announce a 24-hour curfew. However, for today, Friday, the curfew will be relaxed between 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm to allow people to attend Friday mosque.
“Together with security agencies, we will continue to study the situation and take appropriate action to safeguard the life and property of people against miscreants and hoodlums across the state.”
Reports indicate that curfews have also been declared in other northern states such as Kano, Borno, Nasarawa, and Yobe in response to the protests.
Despite these curfews, many Nigerians have continued to march out in large numbers to protest against the prevailing economic hardship, demonstrating their resilience and determination to voice their grievances.