The Katsina State Police Command has enforced a 24-hour curfew in Dutsinma Local Government Area following escalating violence during nationwide protests. The state government also imposed a nightly curfew from 7 pm to 7 am across the remaining 33 local government areas in the state.
Abubakar Sadiq, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, issued a statement on Friday detailing the reasons for these measures. According to Sadiq, the protests, which began peacefully on Thursday, turned violent in some parts of Katsina, prompting immediate action to maintain public safety.
“The 24-hour curfew in Dutsinma Local Government Area is necessary to ensure public safety and prevent further escalation of violence, vandalism, and looting of public and private properties, while the 7pm to 7am curfew in the rest of the state is aimed at preventing nocturnal criminal activities and maintaining law and order throughout the state,” Sadiq explained.
He further noted that there were no fatalities during Thursday’s protests. However, police have detained around 50 individuals linked to acts of destruction and looting of both government and private properties. This preemptive action aims to curb further disruptions and protect citizens’ lives and properties.
In his statement, Sadiq appealed to parents and guardians to caution their children against participating in illegal activities, including violent protests and vandalism. “We call on parents and guardians to caution their children and wards to desist from engaging in acts that may contravene the law, including but not limited to violent protests, vandalism and looting of public or private properties,” he said.
He also urged the youth to remain calm and avoid being exploited for violent purposes. “We urge youths to exercise restraint and avoid being used as tools to perpetuate violence,” Sadiq added.
To ensure compliance with the curfew, the police command, in collaboration with other security agencies, will conduct regular patrols.
Sadiq warned that anyone found violating the curfew would face strict consequences. “The command, in collaboration with sister security agencies, will be conducting regular patrols to ensure total compliance with the curfew, as anyone found violating the curfew will be dealt with decisively,” he emphasized.
“We appeal to the general public to cooperate with the security agencies and stay indoors during the curfew hours. Let’s work together to maintain peace and order in our state,” he added.
