The Katsina State Government announced a ban on protests and imposed a 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. curfew in 33 local government areas, along with a 24-hour curfew in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area.
In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Abdullahi Garba Faskari, Acting Governor Malam Faruk Jobe also prohibited unusual gatherings and all forms of protest across the state.
The decision followed an Emergency State Security Council meeting prompted by reports of law and order disruptions due to the ongoing nationwide hunger protests.
According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abdullahi Yar’adua, the state government received reports that some individuals had hijacked the protests, leading to shop break-ins, looting, and vandalism of public and private properties.
The statement highlighted that these measures are necessary to protect lives and property.
The Acting Governor had earlier met with a group of Civil Society Organizations holding a peaceful demonstration at the Government House, assuring them that their messages would be communicated to the relevant authorities.
Residents are urged to remain calm and law-abiding, as security agencies have been instructed to arrest anyone violating these orders.
The Acting Governor also appealed to the public to continue their legitimate activities during the designated periods for free movement.
READ ALSO: IGP Insists Police Were Civil, Despite Killing Protesters, Injuring Others
The police operatives’ actions sparked a violent backlash from the protesters, who responded by rioting, setting fire to an operational vehicle belonging to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and engaging in looting.
Violence erupted when various protest groups gathered at the Modoji Road roundabout near Government House, Katsina, and attempted to force their way onto the premises to meet the Acting Governor. They were met with resistance from security operatives.
The unrest resulted in injuries to several protesters and three policemen.
According to SaharaReporters, some protesters, who were participating in the #EndBadGovernance nationwide demonstration, also marched to the residence of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, his hometown in Katsina State, as tensions escalated in the area.
The mob which attempted to break into the residence of the former number one citizen said they were fed up with the economic situation of the country.
Some angry youths also reportedly headed for the palace of the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Farouk Umar Farouk.
One of them was reportedly shot in the leg by security operatives who were trying to disperse them.
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