Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa this morning (Friday, August 2), imposed a 24-hour curfew following the escalation of violence on the first day of the 10-day nationwide hunger protests which began yesterday throughout Nigeria.
The Governor, who announced the curfew in a state broadcast, described the development in the State as unfortunate but noted that the measure was necessary to restore peace and order in the State.
He, however, approved that the curfew be relaxed this afternoon for two and half hours to enable worshipers to attend the Juma’a prayer in the mosque.
“To ensure the return of peace and stability, we announced a 24-hour curfew. 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 Governor said in the broadcast.
“The situation in which the peaceful demonstration turned violent characterised by destruction and looting is totally unacceptable and not in our culture, therefore, we will not allow it to continue unabated.”
“Together with the 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,” Namadi reassured.
