#EndBadGovernance Protest: Borno, Kano Impose 24-hour Curfew as Police Allegedly Kill Seven Protesters in Niger

Kano and  Borno state governments have imposed 24-hour curfew to forestall further escalation of violence in the states.

In Borno State,  there was a bomb explosion Kawori Market, Konduga area of the state that killed 16 people.

Governor Babagana Zulum  had earlier convened an emergency security meeting where the decision to impose the  curfew to enable security agencies take adequate measures to protect the people of the state.

Declaring the curfew through a statement titled “imposition of curfew,” the Borno State Police Public Relations  officer, Nhaum Daso confirmed that that decision was taken after the security council meeting.

According to him,  “In view of the constitutional mandate of the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security and law enforcement agencies towards the preservation of law and order in the state

“You are all aware of the incident that took place at Kawori, which was the detonation of an improvised explosive devices ordinance device, which led to the deaths of [16] persons while several others were critically injured and on admission across various government hospitals in the state.

“In line with our constitutional mandate towards the restoration of law and order his Excellency the Executive Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umar Zulum, in consultation with heads of security in the state, finds it’s expedient to declare a 24-hour curfew in the state with immediate effect

“I, therefore, wish to call upon the good people of Borno State to remain calm and law-abiding. Further developments will be communicated to you accordingly, please.”

In Kano State, the state governor, Abba Yusuf imposed the curfew after the #EndBadGovernance protest turned violent with the protesters looting and setting a property belonging the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) on fire.

Governor Yusuf immediately convened and emergency security meeting where the decision to declare the curfew was jointly taken in agreement with heads of security agencies in the state.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, Governor Yusuf stated that , “We organized a stakeholders meeting with traditional leaders, including the four Emir’s of Karaye, Rano, Karaye and Gaya, including Kano, to ensure that we dialogue with the organizers.”

According to him,  “Our goal was to facilitate a peaceful dialogue with the protesters, and in the morning I received the protesters and received their message.

“While I commend those who conducted themselves peacefully, however the protest was hijacked by thugs and hoodlums who went on looting properties and maiming innocent lives, aided by the enemies of the state.”

Citing his constitutional powers, Governor Yusuf declared, “Under the provisions of the Constitution and the powers vested in me as the Governor of Kano, I hereby order a 24 hours curfew in and around the state, till peace is returned,”

In Niger State, the protest turned violent as police shot live bullets at the protesters and allegedly killed seven protesters who had earlier taken to the streets of Suleja to join the protest.

Sources at the Government House Minna indicate that Governor Umar Bago had convened a security meeting and may impose curfew in the state.

Nigerians earlier in the day defied entreaties and threats from the Federal and state governments not to go ahead with the protests.