Police arrest 18 for ‘arson’ in Yobe during protest

The police command in Yobe says it has arrested 18 suspects in connection with violent protests and vandalism in Nguru, Potiskum and Gashua towns on Thursday.

Nigerians began a protest on Thursday against a biting economic hardship.

The protest turned violent in certain northern states on Thursday, with looting and vandalism the order of the day in Kano, Kaduna, Gombe, Jigawa and Yobe.

In Yobe, more than seven mass transit buses were burnt.

Dungus Abdulkarim, the state’s police spokesperson, told NAN on Friday that the suspects hid behind “peaceful protests” to torch public buildings, steal foodstuffs and other equipment.

He said the suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigation.

Abdulkarim said Garba Ahmed, the state’s police commissioner, had warned hoodlums against the destruction of government assets in any part of the state.

The spokesperson reiterated the command’s readiness to enforce the dusk-to-dawn curfew earlier imposed on the affected towns.

“While recognizing the right to peaceful assembly, the command stresses that this right is not absolute and must not infringe on the rights of others. Any criminal acts will be met with firm resistance,” he said.

“The command reiterates its commitment to upholding law and order, warning against violent protests that could lead to social and economic chaos.”

Abdulkarim urged communities to collaborate with the police to prevent miscreants from causing further mayhem.