By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
In Yobe State, the protest against bad governance and hunger turned violent in Three LGAs as the protesters set cars, buses and houses on fire though not report of injuries or deaths
Consequently, the State Government imposed a 24-hour curfew on the affected LGAs of Potiskum, Gashua and Nguru after some hoodlums reportedly cashed in on the harship protest to loot government property.
The declaration was made by Special Adviser to the Governor on Security matters, Brig. Gen Dahiru Abdussallam (retd), in a statement he issued on Thursday declaring that the curfew would be fully enforced with immediate effect.
The statement reads:“The Yobe State Government has considered the security situation in Potiskum, Gashua, and Nguru towns where some hoodlums are taking advantage of the protest to vandalize and loot government and private properties.”
It further contained, “In view of the above therefore, the state government has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Potiskum, Gashua and Nguru.”
“The public is hereby advised to abide by the curfew order and stay at home for peace to reign in these areas and the state at large.The Security Agencies have been directed to ensure enforcement and full compliance of the curfew order,” the statement further read.
A source from Potiskum however blamed the Police for the violence because according to him, the protest was peaceful as the protesters were marching along the major street in the town.
The source said that at a point, from nowhere, the Police fired canisters of teargas into the crowd forcing them to react violently thereby attacking innocent people.
Speaking to Our Correspondent vide mobile telephone conversation, the Yobe State Police Command PPRO, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim said that though he could not officially confirm the curfew, the Command was aware of the violence in the Three LGAs.
He however said that security personnel are on top of the situation to ensure that it did not escalate to other areas of the state saying that security measures have been beefed up across the state.
Dungus Abdulkarim added that there were reports of arson in Potiskum where two cars and a house were said have been burnt while a few other public and private structures were torched by the violent protesters.
The PPRO assured that security agencies will not take the situation for granted as it will protect lives and properties of citizens of the state.
