The Department of State Services (DSS) has detained leaders of the ongoing protests against poor governance. The arrests have sparked significant concern among local communities and activists.
Reports indicate that Kabir Shehu Yandaki and Habibu Ruma, who were leading the “Struggle for Good Governance” protest, were summoned to the DSS office in Katsina. Upon their arrival, both were detained and have not been released since. Additionally, Mujittapha Usman, who led a similar protest in the Malumfashi Local Government Area, was also apprehended by security forces.
Friends of the detainees revealed to local media that the DSS had contacted Yandaki and Ruma by phone early in the morning, requesting their presence at the office for questioning about the previous day’s activities. However, upon their arrival, they were detained without further explanation.
What started as a peaceful protest descended into chaos when a rowdy crowd, including many minors, took to the streets of Katsina’s state capital. They wielded sticks and leaves, chanting “Bamuyi Bamuyi,” which translates to “We won’t accept” in the local language. The disorderly mob vandalized public facilities, burned an NSCDC patrol vehicle, and set fire to the ruling All Progressive Congress office in Dutsinma Local Government Area.
In response to the escalating violence, the Katsina State Government imposed stringent curfews. A 24-hour curfew was enforced in Dutsinma Local Government Area, while the remaining 34 local government areas in the state were subjected to a nightly curfew from 7 PM to 7 AM.
As of now, the detained protest leaders remain in custody, and there has been no official statement from the DSS regarding their release or the next steps.
