As nationwide anti-hardship protest entered its third day, the Jigawa State Police Command announced the arrest of 212 people suspected to be involved in destroying and looting public properties in the state.
Commissioner of Police in the state, CP A.T. Abdullahi revealed this while briefing newsmen on the security situation in the state and the measures taken to maintain law and order in the state.
CP Abdullahi added that out of the arrestEd persons, 74 of them were already charged to court on alleged destruction of properties and breach of public peace.
“Though the protesters did not seek any permission from the security, but we deem it necessary to give them protection but instead for the protesters to go peacefully, unfortunately they turned violent attacking public places including Dutse Government House.
“As the protest turned violent in about seven local government area of the state, the situation forced police to use minimum force to disperse the protesters for maintaining law and order.
“The combined effort of security agencies and the 24 hours curfew imposed by the state governor has contributed to the return of peace and order today in almost all over the state,” CP stated.
However fielding question from newsmen on the situation, the Jigawa State Commissioner of Information Youth Sport and Culture, Hon Sagir Musa said the government was following the development in collaboration with the security agencies.
He noted that the state government after due consultation on the development, will consider relaxing the curfew, but as of Saturday evening time the 24 hours curfew stand imposed.
As at the time of filing this story, the protesters had vacated the streets, except in Kazaure local government where some youths attempted to continue the protest but were dispersed by the security.
