LIVE UPDATES
The governments of Kano, Kebbi and Yobe states have relaxed the curfews imposed during the nationwide hunger protest which was characterised by violence in their states.
This was contained in a statement by Kano Commissioner for Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye.
According to the statement, the Kano State Government said it relaxed the 24-hour curfew imposed last Thursday, when the protest started, to only six hours, as calm gradually returned to the city.
Dantiye said residents could now go about their lawful business between 8 am and 2 pm starting from Sunday.
The commissioner said the decision was taken to enable the general public to go about their legitimate business and enhance peace in the state.
He said: “Citizens are advised to take advantage of the relaxed curfew to attend to their daily activities, while also maintaining law and order.
“The state government is observing the security situation in the state and will communicate further decisions on the curfew whenever the need arises."
The statement quoted Governor Abba Yusuf as sympathising with victims of the violent protest and large-scale looting under the guise of protest.
Similarly in Jigawa State, the Commissioner for Information, Mr Sagir Musa, in a statement on Sunday, said the government had relaxed the 24-hour curfew imposed on the eight local government areas where mayhem erupted.
Musa said: “It’s been relaxed henceforth from 6:00 pm to 5:00 am from Sunday, August 4, 2024, pending when the security situation further improves.
“The State Joint Security Committee has also lifted the curfew in 19 LGAs of the state where there was no report of any violence during the protest.”
The statement quoted Governor Umar Namadi as commending the people of the state for their patience and understanding during the period.
In the same vein, the Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni approved the relaxation of the 24-hour curfew earlier imposed on the three towns.
The governor’s Special Adviser on Security Matters, Brig.-Gen. Dahiru Abdulsalam (retd.), revealed this in a statement on Sunday.
He said the curfew was relaxed from noon to 5 pm “to enable people to undertake lawful activities effective from Sunday.”
While commending security agencies for their efforts in restoring peace to the area, the governor urged them to remain vigilant and prevent any breakdown of law and order during the relaxed curfew hours.
