Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has declared a 24-hour curfew to combat the escalating violence and looting that has hijacked the protest against hunger. The curfew was announced during a press conference at the Government House on Thursday.
The governor expressed his disappointment at the turn of events, saying, “It is with a heavy heart that I address you today regarding the unfortunate events that transpired during the recent peaceful protest.” He recalled the town hall meeting held on July 31, 2024, where he acknowledged the protesters’ constitutional right and urged them to conduct themselves peacefully.
He said, “You may recall that, yesterday the 31st July, 2024 we organized a town hall meeting with stakeholders’ religious leaders, Leaders of Business community, Traditional leaders, Academia, Technocrats, Youth and Women’s groups and Civil Society Organizations. During the meeting I acknowledged that the protest is a constitutional right. However, I urged the protesters to conduct themselves in a peaceful and orderly manner and I expressed my intention to receive their complaint and assured them that their grievances would be forwarded to Mr. President and Commander in Chief for possible attention.”
However, the protest was hijacked by thugs and hoodlums, leading to looting, vandalism, and harm to innocent citizens. The governor stated, “Similarly, this morning we received the representatives of the peaceful protesters where they submitted their demand in writing which I promise to deliver to Mr. President. While I commend the vast majority of peaceful protesters who stated their concerns responsibly, it is however, regrettable to say that, the whole protest that was meant to be a demonstration of democratic right to voice our concerns was hijacked by thugs and hoodlums who embarked on looting of business premises, government properties and maiming of innocent citizens…”
After an emergency state security council meeting, the governor declared the curfew, stating, “After careful consideration, we have come to terms that 24 hours curfew should be put in place to further prevent looting and vandalization of businesses and killing of innocent citizens.” He further directed all security agencies in the state to ensure full compliance with the directives to ensure restoration of peace in the state.
Governor Yusuf assured citizens that the curfew aims to protect lives, properties, and public assets, saying, “Fellow citizens, this action is made to ensure the full protection of your lives and properties as well as protecting public asset, places of worship and Business premises. As we move forward, I urge all citizens to remain vigilant and to continue working together to maintain the peace and harmony we cherish so much. Let us not allow the actions of a few selfish individuals and miscreants to divide us or detract us from our shared goals. Together, we can overcome all challenges and build a stronger, more resilient Kano State.”
Kano is the third state to impose a curfew, following similar moves by Governors Babagana Zulum of Borno and Mai Mala Buni of Yobe.