Police Declare 24-Hour Curfew In Borno As Protesters Go Berserk Over Gunshots, Teargas

In response to the nationwide hunger protests, the Borno State Police Command has imposed a 24-hour curfew in Maiduguri, the state capital.

This decision follows an escalation of protests in the Bulunkutu area, where demonstrators clashed with police, who used teargas to disperse the crowds.

According to reports from Plateau News and Daily Trust, protesters, frustrated with the current administration and economic conditions, mounted roadblocks, disrupted vehicular movement, and damaged private and commercial vehicles.

The protesters carried placards with messages such as “Ba ma yi” (We won’t accept this), “Tinubu must go,” “End the bad governance,” and “There is hunger,” and chanted anti-government slogans.

One of the protesters, identified as Muhammad, emphasized their determination to continue the protest despite the police’s use of teargas, asserting their constitutional right to protest.

In reaction to the escalating situation, Nahum Kenneth Daso, spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, announced the imposition of the curfew, citing security concerns and a recent bomb explosion on Wednesday as contributing factors.

The explosion, which occurred in Kawori, resulted in 16 fatalities and numerous injuries, prompting heightened security measures.

Daso’s statement highlighted the need to preserve law and order and urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding during the curfew. The statement read:

“In view of the constitutional mandate of the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security and law enforcement agencies toward preservation of law and order in the state.

You are all aware of the incident that took place at kawori which was the detonation of improvise explosive devices ordinance device which lead to the death of (16) persons while several others were critically injured and on admission across various Government hospitals in the state.

“In line with our constitutional mandate towards the restoration of law and order, His Excellency, the executive Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umar Zulum in consultation with heads of security in the state, finds its expedient to declare 24hrs curfew in the state with immediate effect.

“I therefore, wish to call upon the good people of Borno State to remain calm and law abiding. Further developments will be communicated to you accordingly please.”

This curfew aims to maintain peace and order amid rising tensions and ensure the safety of residents amidst the ongoing protests.