Jigawa declares 24-hour curfew over violent protests

Umar Namadi, governor of Jigawa, has imposed a 24-hour curfew in the state over the violence that trailed a protest against economic hardship.

Nigerians have taken to the streets of most states to rail against the rising cost of living.

Namadi said the protest has turned to a looting spree and that the curfew will be relaxed for two hours on Friday to enable Muslims participate in the Jumaat prayers.

He described the protest in the state as strange, saying it was carried out by underaged children backed by sponsors with vested interests.

“To ensure the return of peace and stability, we announced the 24-hour curfew,” Namadi said.

“However, for Friday the curfew will be relaxed between noon and 2:30 p.m. to allow people to attend Friday prayer in the mosque.

“The situation in which the peaceful demonstration turned violent characterised by destruction and looting is totally unaccepted and it is not in our culture, therefore, we will not allow it to continue unabated.

“Together with security agencies, we will continue to study the situation and take appropriate action to safeguard the lives and property of the people against miscreants and hoodlums across the state.”