The Niger State Government has ordered the release of Aisha Jibrin, the initiator of the violent protest against the hike in prices of foodstuffs that erupted in Minna metropolis on Monday.
Commissioner for Information and Culture Hajiya Binta Manmman made this disclosure while speaking to journalists in Minna.
Arogidigba Global Journal recalls that the Niger State Police Command had, on Wednesday, issued a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, PRO, Wasiu Abiodun, of the arrest of Aisha Jibrin and 24 others over alleged major obstruction on the highway that deprived motorists, travellers, and other road users from gaining access to attend to their lawful businesses.
The rioting group, in large numbers, mobilised themselves and blocked Minna-Bida Road and Kpakungu Roundabout in protest against the increase in foodstuffs on Monday.
She said the state government, after conducting its findings, had exonerated the 57-year-old mastermind of the riot of any wrong.
According to her: “All of those arrested by the police, along with the initiator, Aisha Jibrin, have been released on bail. We apologise to the family of Aisha and others for the arrest.”
She also stated that the state government is concerned about the sufferings of residents of the state, adding that the administration of Governor Mohammed Umar Bago is not resting on its oars as drastic measures will soon be adopted to address their plights.
The commissioner stated: “As a government, we feel their pains. The state government is aware of the hardships the people are going through. On the day of the protest, the state governor at our council meeting was talking about looking for a solution to the issue when a distressed call came about the violent protest and people took the law into their own hands.
“He immediately sent the Deputy Governor to the scene in order to calm the situation, but the rioting crowd turned violent. The protesters embarked on the protest without seeking the permission of the police. And, since it turned violent, those responsible had to be arrested.”