The Katsina State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew in Dutsinma Local Government Area, announced by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abdullahi Garba-Faskari, in a statement issued on Thursday.
The directive, signed by Alhaji Abdullahi Aliyu-Yar’adua, Director of Media at the office of the Secretary to the State Government, also includes a ban on unusual gatherings and all types of protests across the state.
This decision, made under the leadership of Acting Governor Malam Faruq Jobe, follows an emergency State Security Council meeting addressing the breakdown of law and order in some parts of the state due to nationwide protests. Earlier, the acting governor received a group of Civil Society Organizations at the Government House, pledging to relay their messages to the appropriate authority. However, reports later indicated that some miscreants had hijacked the protest, leading to shop breaking, looting, and vandalism of public and private properties.
In response, the government deemed it necessary to implement these measures to safeguard lives and properties. Residents are urged to remain calm and law-abiding, as security agencies have been directed to arrest any individuals or groups violating the orders.
Additionally, the Police in Katsina State have commenced enforcement of the curfew. The command’s spokesman, ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, refuted claims that police personnel used live ammunition on protesters, resulting in fatalities. He assured the public that officers have exercised maximum restraint and professionalism in handling the situation, with no recorded fatalities from police actions as of the time of the report.
