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Katsina State Police Enforce Strict Curfew Amid Escalating Violence Linked to Protests

Written by Deborah Oyinloye on August 2, 2024

News Views: 89

The Katsina State Police Command has implemented a new directive following the state government’s order, which enforces a 24-hour curfew in Dutsinma Local Government Area and a restriction of movement from 7pm to 7am across the remaining 33 local government areas.

According to a statement released on Friday by Abubakar Sadiq, the state Police Public Relations Officer, these measures were introduced in response to escalating violence related to the nationwide protests that began on Thursday.

Sadiq remarked, “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.”

He reported that while there were no fatalities during Thursday’s protests, approximately 50 individuals were detained for their involvement in the damage and theft of government and public property.

Sadiq urged, “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.

“Also, we urge youths to exercise restraint and avoid being used as tools to perpetuate violence.

“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.

“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.”