Plateau, Kaduna, Bauchi on curfew after looting of businesses, bank

In response to escalating violence and mass looting during protests against economic hardship, Kaduna, Bauchi, and Plateau states in Northern Nigeria have been placed under curfew.

The protests, initially peaceful, have highlighted the region’s ongoing struggles with terrorism and banditry.

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang imposed a 24-hour curfew on Jos North Local Government Area on Sunday night to quell the unrest. The demonstrations, initially led by Isa El-Buba, General Overseer of Evangelical Outreach (EBOMI), and Solomon Dalung, National Coordinator of the Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria (IBBN) and former Minister of Sports, started peacefully and were even praised by the state government.

However, the situation deteriorated when a separate group of protesters emerged, displaying Russian flags and engaging in violent activities. This new group diverged from the original protesters, who had been gathering at the Old Airport Roundabout in Jos, and instead moved through various neighborhoods, including Bauchi Road in Zololo, Dilimi, Sabon Layi, Filling Ball, Congo Russia, and Angwan Rogo, looting properties.

Governor Mutfwang’s curfew, effective from midnight on Sunday, aims to restore order and prevent further violence as the affected states grapple with the dual challenges of economic distress and security threats.

He said it was declared “in consultation with state security agencies after reviewing the actions of unscrupulous individuals who exploited the nationwide protest to unleash terror on innocent citizens”.

The governor noted that these criminal elements “armed with daggers, machetes, and other dangerous weapons, broke into shops and restaurants along Bauchi Road and Zololo Junction, looting foodstuffs and other valuable items”.

He warned those planning to unleash further terror on innocent citizens to desist immediately or face the full wrath of the law.

The group of violent protesters, mostly underaged fundamentalists, defied the curfew and continued with their looting yesterday.

Governor Mutfwang also convened a security council meeting yesterday, after which the Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, said 14 individuals were arrested for violating the curfew.

El-Buba faulted the curfew, claiming it was an attempt to stifle citizens’ voices.

“We are amazed and so disappointed with the curfew declaration by the state government. There is nothing that warrants it.

“Plateau State has been adjudged as hosting the most peaceful protest all over the world. History has been made here.

“Thousands of Muslims on the first, second and third days of the protest shielded by their Christian brothers and sisters.

“On Sunday, Christians in their thousands were shielded by Muslims in their thousands. It has never happened,” he added.

But, Adesina urged residents to comply with the curfew or risk arrest.

“The Plateau State Police Command is poised to maintain peace in the state and will not allow any person or group of individuals to plunge the State into unruly turmoil.”

Curfew in Kaduna

As protesters who regrouped in Kaduna yesterday embarked on a looting spree, the state government declared a 24-hour curfew on the Kaduna and Zaria metropolises.

The protesters marched on the major streets of Kaduna and Zaria, waving Russian flags.

They were dispersed at the NEPA Roundabout after they started looting public and private property.

They vandalised property at AIT and Vision FM offices within the Nagwamatse House.

Announcing the curfew in a statement, Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said the protest had been hijacked by criminal elements.

“The Kaduna State Security Council under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, following a review of the security situation in the state, hereby notifies citizens of the following:

“There is sufficient evidence to clearly indicate that the ongoing protest has been hijacked by criminal elements who have resorted to looting of shops and destruction of private and public property.

“In view of this unfortunate development, the Kaduna State Security Council has unanimously resolved to impose a 24-hour curfew on Kaduna and Zaria metropolises and environs with immediate effect.

“Citizens are advised to remain indoors while security forces continue to work to maintain safety and security.

“Monitoring will be sustained for review of the curfew as required,” he said.

Council secretariat, ex-dep. Governor House torched in Bauchi

Bauchi Governor, Bala Mohammed, also imposed a 24-hour curfew in Katagum LGA.

It followed violent incidents, destruction of public property and theft.

Some hoodlums in Azare of Katagum LGA vandalised the government lodge and the country home of the immediate-past deputy governor, Senator Baba Tela.

They set ablaze the local government secretariat.

The governor’s directive is contained in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Ibrahim Muhammad Kashim.

He directed all security agencies to take swift action to address the situation, apprehend those responsible and bring them to justice.

The governor also called on law-abiding citizens to support security efforts.

(The Nation)