From Desmond Mgboh Kano
Irate youths reportedly breached security and gained access to the Kano State Government House.
Armed with cudgels and stripped to their singlets in some cases, the irate youths chanted anti-government slogans after erecting bonfires outside the precinct of the government building.
Security operatives fired water cannons and teargas canisters to keep the protesters at bay and prevent them for burning down the building .
Similarly, some hoodlum in the guise of protesting attacked a Digital Industrial Park of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC).
The facility which is due for commissioning in a week’s time consists of laboratories for ICT innovations, commercial hubs providing capacity building to ICT startups and entrepreneurial activities in the North West Region.
The protesters in their numbers invaded the ICT park; broke into the offices and carted away state-of-the-art equipment, worth billions of Naira.
Some of the equipment looted include: computers, AC, chairs, tables, solar batteries and panels, among others.
Kano State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa could not be reached for comment as at press time.
Meanwhile, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf has announced a 24 hour curfew across the state.
He stated that the decision, which takes immediate effect, was resolved at the end of an emergency State Security Council meeting dedicated to addressing the escalating violence and disruptions that have emerged amid the civil demonstrations.
During the meeting, the governor recognized the constitutional right of citizens to peacefully protest and expressed a commitment to addressing their concerns, assuring that their grievances would be forwarded to Mr. President and Commander in Chief for consideration.
“This morning, the representatives of the peaceful protesters submitted their demands in writing, which the governor pledged to deliver to the president. While he commended the majority of demonstrators who voiced their concerns in a responsible manner, he expressed his disappointment that the protest had been hijacked by thugs and hoodlums who engaged in rampant looting, destruction of property, and violence against innocent citizens.”
The governor emphasized that such actions, fueled by antagonistic elements, threaten the safety and security of all citizens and must be addressed vigorously.
To safeguard lives and preserve public and private property, the decision to implement a curfew was made unanimously during the emergency meeting.
“The imposition of this curfew is a necessary measure to restore order and ensure the safety of our communities.
It is paramount that we protect our citizens from further harm and preserve the sanctity of our state’s institutions and businesses.”
The governor called on all citizens to remain vigilant and united during this challenging time.
“Let us not allow the actions of a few selfish individuals to divide us. Together, we can navigate these challenges and fortify our resolve to build a stronger, more resilient Kano State.
All security agencies in the state have been directed to ensure full compliance with the curfew, and citizens are urged to heed this directive for their safety and the well-being of all”.
A civil rights activist and former National Assembly lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, has condemned the violence and looting by hoodlums in Kano.
Sani who took to his X account yesterday,said: “the images and clips of the looting in Kano is unfortunate and condemnable.
All efforts must be put in place to secure people’s lives and property.”
The civil rights activists urged kaduna residents to shun violence, while engaging themselves in protest.
“The protesters have the rights to protest. But, they should not allow thugs and criminals to hijack protest and start looting.
“I totally condemn the looting in Kano. And the security should live up to expectation by ensuring law and order.”